CHARITIES across the city have urged Londoners to pull together and tackle the “unsustainable” levels of homelessness in the Capital.
The call for action comes ahead of one of London’s biggest annual homelessness fundraisers.
Last year, the London CEO Sleepout raised £250,000 to help those living on the brink.
This year, CEO Sleepout has called for fundraisers to help shatter that target, with the charity’s plea coming in the wake of bleak new Government figures which revealed that a record 320,000 Brits are now homeless – up eight per cent on last year.
“More people are now homeless in this country than live in the likes of Lambeth, Lewisham and Westminster, while you could fill Wembley Stadium more than three times over,” said CEO Sleepout’s Bianca Robinson.
“The scale of homelessness is appalling, and sadly it is getting worse. Charities across London say the problem is worse than ever and it is vital that Londoners unite in order to help turn the tide.”
Dozens of business leaders have already signed up to brave the cold and take part in the London CEO Sleepout, which takes place on November 25 at Lords Cricket Ground.
Participants include CEOs, entrepreneurs and famous faces, including Olympic hero Fatima Whitbread.
Each participant is encouraged to raise at least £1,000, with the money directly benefiting London-based causes helping some of the Capital’s most vulnerable.
One such cause is Providence Row, an East London charity serving the wider city, which launched over 160 years ago to provide essential services like warmth, food and safe spaces to those in need.
In the past year alone it has delivered over 15,000 meals, a figure that reflects the growing demand for services fuelled by factors like the cost-of-living crisis and the prisoner release scheme.
“Demand has skyrocketed, with homelessness across London reaching unsustainable levels,” said Michael Blakesley, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Providence Row.
“What is particularly alarming is the number of individuals who never imagined they would be homeless. Economic pressures, especially the cost-of-living crisis, have pushed many into this situation, including people with stable housing histories who are now seeking our help.”
Additionally, a new report from the Museum of Homelessness – Dying Homeless 2024 – revealed there were 1,474 homeless deaths last year, up 12 per cent in a year.
Additionally, deaths among rough sleepers has soared by 42 per cent while there’s also been a 27 per cent surge in the number of people living in tents, shelters or on the streets.
Amid growing pressures, CEO Sleepout launched a campaign this year called ‘Nobody’s Safe’, which aims to highlight how many professionals such as NHS staff, police officers and teachers are turning to the likes of food banks simply to survive.
With that in mind, Biana has called for as many people as possible to either grab a sleeping bag and take part in next month’s sleepout.
“Homelessness is no longer an issue that affects just a few of us – it is a society-wide problem and it will take the whole of society to fix it,” she added.
To donate, sign up or for more information on the London CEO Sleepout, click here.
