Homelessness in London

• 11,993 people were seen sleeping rough in London between April 2023 and March 2024 - a rise of 19% on the previous 12 months.
• 681 people in Lambeth, where we’re based, are currently homeless, the fourth highest number out of all London boroughs.
•  It is estimated there are 183,000 people in the capital are in temporary accommodation and at risk of becoming homeless in the coming years.
• There has been a 58% increase on the number of people homeless in London since 2014.

About Spires

For the past 30 years, Spires has been a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in South London. We support people in their time of crisis before they become homeless, as well as supporting those experiencing homelessness into securing and maintaining accommodation.

How Spires is making a difference

So far this year we have supported just over 700 different people with housing and other support needs:

• 120 people were supported into housing.
• 35 people were supported to avoid eviction/maintain their tenancy.
• 108 people have received health support.
• 100 people were supported to start or maintain benefits. 
• 50 people were provided with legal support.

Behind every person we support, there is a story about what has led them to this point in their lives. 

Case Study: Paddy attended Spires drop-in at West Norwood looking for help with his homelessness. He is a 71-year-old Jamaican national who had been sleeping in a friend’s garden shed since receiving his indefinite leave to remain. He had been living and working in the UK for 20 years until his health drastically deteriorated meaning he was left with having no benefits or accommodation. We completed a prevention from homelessness application and applied for Pension Credit, Housing benefits and for a freedom pass. A housing assessment was completed placing him in temporary accommodation while we continue to monitor his health issues by attending all health appointments with him. We remain in regular contact with Paddy as we support him to maintain his current and future tenancies.

Why your donation matters

Spires urgently needs your support in the face of increasing costs and fierce competition for funding at a time when homelessness is at a record high in London. Your help is crucial to keep our essential services running for those in need ensuring they can get the right support to overcome or avoid homelessness. Together, we can prevent homelessness and transform lives!

Please consider supporting our Christmas Appeal 2024. Your contributions will play a significant role in helping those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in London this Christmas.