At least 382,618 people in England were recorded as homeless on a given night in 2025, an increase of about 8% in a year, equivalent to roughly one in every 153 people.
350,480 people were living in temporary accommodation, the highest number since records began, and most of these are families with children.
4,793 people slept rough on a single night in England in autumn 2025 the highest figure since records began and a significant rise over recent years.
Rough sleeping has more than doubled since 2010, showing a long-term upward trend.
Over 175,990 children were living in temporary accommodation during 2025 also the highest figure on record.
134,760 households were living in temporary accommodation at the end of September 2025, up around 7% from the previous year.
Government data shows increasing statutory homelessness, with hundreds of thousands of households assessed as homeless or at risk in recent years.
Homeless households frequently spend months or years in temporary accommodation due to a lack of social homes and affordable options.
Families are often housed outside their home areas because of limited availability of suitable accommodation.
A significant driver of homelessness is rising private rents, a lack of genuinely affordable housing, and restricted housing benefit levels.
What You Can Do to Help:
Homelessness in England is driven by housing shortages, rising costs, and pressures on support systems, but there are ways you can contribute to positive change. You can support charities that work directly with people experiencing homelessness by donating or volunteering your time at shelters, outreach programmes, and food banks. Raising awareness among friends, colleagues, and on social media helps reduce stigma and encourages broader public support for systemic solutions. You can also advocate to your local councillors and Members of Parliament for policies that increase the supply of affordable and social housing, improve housing benefit rates, and extend preventative services. Even small actions, such as fundraising or participating in community initiatives, contribute to a broader movement aiming to ensure safe, secure housing for everyone.