World Homelessness Day: Helping People Find Support Through StreetLink

man sleeping on bench

Every year on 10th October, communities across the world mark World Homelessness Day – a chance to shine a spotlight on the realities of homelessness and explore how we can all make a difference.

In the UK, homelessness remains a pressing issue. It affects thousands of individuals and families, from those sleeping rough on our streets to people living in temporary accommodation or moving from sofa to sofa with no place to call home. Behind every statistic is a person – someone’s friend, parent, child – facing daily struggles that most of us can barely imagine. As the colder months draw in, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of compassion, awareness, and action.

The Reality of Homelessness

Homelessness isn’t just about the absence of a roof. It affects every part of a person’s life:

  • Health: Sleeping outside in the cold and damp leads to severe health risks, from respiratory illnesses to hypothermia. Life expectancy for people experiencing rough sleeping is tragically decades lower than average.
  • Safety: Many rough sleepers experience violence, theft, or abuse while on the streets. Each night is not only uncomfortable, but unsafe.
  • Mental wellbeing: Living without security or stability takes a huge toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and isolation are common, creating a cycle that makes it even harder to recover.

Across the UK, an estimated 272,000 people are experiencing homelessness. In England alone, the government’s most recent snapshot recorded 4,667 people sleeping rough on a single night in Autumn 2024 – a 20% increase from the year before. These numbers remind us that homelessness is not just a local issue, but a national challenge.

How StreetLink Helps

It’s easy to feel powerless when you see someone sleeping rough – but you can help. StreetLink is a national service that enables the public to connect people sleeping rough with local support.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Spot someone in need. If you see a person bedding down outside, or if you’re concerned about someone who may be sleeping rough, you can act.
  2. Send an alert. Visit StreetLink.org.uk. You’ll be asked for details such as location, time seen, and a brief description.
  3. Outreach teams respond. Your alert is passed to local homelessness outreach teams, who go out to find the individual and offer help. This may include emergency shelter, medical care, or longer-term housing options.

StreetLink doesn’t provide housing directly, but it plays a vital role in making sure no one goes unseen. Since its relaunch in September 2023, StreetLink has received over 219,000 alerts from the public, helping outreach teams connect with people sleeping rough and offer support that could change their life.

Real Stories: Case Studies Hub

This World Homelessness Day, we’re launching a new Case Studies page on the StreetLink hub. The page shares real stories showing the difference a StreetLink alert can make, highlighting the partnerships and people behind the work.

These stories bring the statistics to life – showing how alerts translate into real-world impact.

Impact Story: Ben and Cali

StreetLink’s impact can be life-changing. One powerful example comes from our partnership with StreetVet, which supports people experiencing homelessness and their pets.

When a StreetLink alert was made for Ben and his dog Cali, StreetVet volunteers were able to step in quickly. Cali received urgent veterinary treatment for a serious health issue, while Ben was supported with supplies and guidance so the pair could remain together safely.

This case shows how a single alert can spark vital support – not just for individuals, but also for the companions who mean the world to them. Read the full story of Ben and Cali.

How You Can Support This World Homelessness Day

  • Use StreetLink: If you see someone sleeping rough, don’t walk past. Take two minutes to send an alert via StreetLink.org.uk. It could change someone’s life.
  • Support local services: Donate to or volunteer with local charities and shelters that provide food, warmth, and longer-term support.
  • Show compassion: A kind word or small act of generosity can help someone feel seen and valued in a world where they often feel invisible.
  • Spread awareness: Share information about StreetLink with friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know how to act, the more people we can connect to support.

A Collective Effort

Homelessness is a challenge that requires everyone – councils, charities, volunteers, and the public – to work together. This World Homelessness Day, let’s remember that each of us has a role to play.

By raising awareness, showing compassion, and using StreetLink to connect people to support, we can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Because no one should have to sleep rough.

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