Homeless this winter: on the frontline of rough sleeping

Tens of thousands more people will be homeless in England this Christmas.

The charity, Shelter, claims more than 300,000 people are now homeless in the country. An increase of 14% in a single year.

Figures obtained by Channel 4 News show that one of the areas with a high number of households looking for support to prevent homelessness, is Liverpool. The City council has received more than 36,000 approaches over the last 6 years.

A Liverpool-based charity says they're seeing a surge in rough sleeping as the cost of living bites and the Home Office looks to clear a backlog of asylum claims.

We joined The Whitechapel Centre's ground team in the run up to Christmas.

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Since recording the Home Office says it recognises "that the number of individuals in the system and the clearance of the asylum backlog is adding pressure to local authorities." - Lord Sharpe of Epsom, Dec. 18 2023

A government spokesperson said: "We are working with local authorities to manage the impact of asylum decisions as the legacy backlog reduces." - Nov. 29 2023
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[bodhi-swayze]

As a recovering addict who was homeless, this just made me cry. Thank you for your dedication & kindness. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for people like you…

[candygirl]

Disgusting that anyone is sleeping on the streets in 2023. Britain is a Victorian slum now. Its appalling that this is happening to people

[jamieking]

It is sad when in society you've got a food bank on one side of the road and on the other multi-million dollar homes and still people going without.

[MoominJude]

I think the homeless often get bad press and many people think they're alcoholics or drug addicts and some are, but we are all one unfortunate step away from potential homelessness. I was briefly homeless as a teen, due to being orphaned. It was back in the day when there was no help at all. It's horrendous. Luckily I found my way out of it. I feel for anyone without a roof.

[briggsy]

Most people are 1 paycheck away from being homeless

[aimeeinkling]

This is happening everywhere. The cost of housing is out of control. I know people who have good jobs that are barely able to pay rent.

[FinalGrain-jmeu]

I'd like to give my two cents regarding jobs for the more vulnerable people, some people aren't meant for 9-5jobs because of health, some get nervous and probably work better in communities rather than being expected to be independent. There are a ton if issues why some people need extra friendly work environments maybe they came from abusive homes.

[RobertSmith-rjmd]

So so kind of you xx Thank You for what you are doing xx It’s Appreciated,

[solomit]

Hope life gets better for these vulnerable people 💗

[SugaaShani]

My heart breaks for the homeless people. But big respect to these ladies and all who are involved with their organisation and others out there like them. Britain needs people like this or it would be worse than it is. Thankyou to the people who still care. We appreciate you❤🙏🏽🇬🇧💯

[MozBizResources]

Praying for all those that are homeless through no choice of their own all over the world. 🙏

[jasonmussett]

Homelessness can happen to anybody. I was homeless for seven days, that was enough. Rents and mortgages are far too high. This is an issue that needs to be tackled, not ignored.

[KayMcGrath-ss]

Respect for your kindness to vulnerable people

[LauraC]

I cried when I heard the news that the homeless guy in my area died before Christmas I got a message by a friend to say someone had found him dead in his tent at around 10am on the 24th of December he always kept himself clean by taking a washing up bowl in the men's public toilets cleaning his face, hair, facial hair, hands, armpits & other stuff the only thing that smelt bad were his clothing he always smiled and waved at me/everyone that ever walked by him what I loved about him was that he always picked up all the litter off the floor the way he lived made me feel sad I miss him so much 😢💔

[jia]

Don’t judge homeless people before you hear their stories first.

[soggymoggytravels]

Bless these people who give their time and support the homeless. It’s a tragic situation that could happen to us at any moment. It just takes one misfortune to put people on the street. I wish more could be done to help those in real needs.

[bikokch]

What’s more ridiculous is not all homeless are jobless. Some do work but still can’t afford a place while people from the outside are living in warm, free hotels.

[mcsteel]

You’re not one of the richest countries in the world, that myth needs to stop.

[Mrgingerdread]

One of the richest for the 1% the other 99%are suffering.

[PMMagro]

Don't worry, nothing will shake Sunaks dollar-grin. It is not like he is losing any money is it :)