Government figures released today by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities showed an increase in people sleeping rough in Greenwich and across London.
The data was collected by local councils as part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England and showed more than double the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Greenwich compared to last year’s data count.
Across London, the number of people recorded as sleeping rough rose from 858 to 1,132.
Responding to the updated statistics, Sofia Barbosa, Chief Executive of Emmaus Greenwich said: “These figures are deeply concerning and that this is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. The cost-of-living crisis and recession have played a major part in making life less stable for many people. Homelessness is a symptom of that. As well as a remarkable rise in rough sleeping, hidden homelessness of sofa surfing, staying in B&B’s and in temporary accommodation is a major factor in London.
“Emmaus Greenwich provides a home and meaningful work opportunities for up to 46 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. In addition, we are expanding our outreach programmes to provide warm, spaces, hot meals and refreshments, charging points and internet access and advice to those affected by the cost-of-living. Clearly, more needs to be done to address the growing homelessness crisis.”