Homeless Link
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Stark warning for approaching cold weather as rough sleeping in London rises 6% in 12 months.
Homeless Link responds to the latest data on rough sleeping in London.
Data released recently (Friday 30th October 2015) from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) database shows that between 1 July and 30 September 2015, 2,869 people were recorded as sleeping rough on the streets of London, 6% more than the same period in 2014.
Commenting, Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, said:
“It is alarming to see yet another rise in the number of people sleeping rough in London. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions about why so many are finding themselves with little choice but to bed down on the streets and ensure that we have an effective safety net.
“Sleeping rough is extremely dangerous and can seriously damage people’s health. Temperatures are already beginning to drop so we strongly urge London’s local authorities to ensure they provide sufficient emergency shelters over the winter so nobody is left out in the cold.
“Members of the public can play their part too. Anyone concerned about someone sleeping rough in London this winter should contact StreetLink via www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914 and help connect them with the local services that can help them leave homelessness behind.”
