Government figures released by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government show that fewer people were sleeping rough in Hertfordshire last year – a decrease of just over four per cent compared to 2023.
The marginal drop – from 69 to 66 people – may be thanks to recent hard work by local authorities and homelessness organisations like ours, but it is likely that hidden homelessness persists.
In nearby London, there was an increase in rough sleepers of over 16%, from 1,132 to 1,318, while in the south-east the figure increased by over 18%, with 795 rough sleepers recorded, compared to 670 in 2023.
The data was collected as part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England and was shared today (27 February). Released each year in February, these statistics provide a snapshot of the number of people sleeping rough during a single autumn night in local authorities across England.
“Only show part of the picture”
Responding to the updated statistics, our Chief Executive, Duncan Lewis, said: “A drop in rough sleeping may seem like progress, but these figures only show part of the picture – the tip of the iceberg. Homelessness is still all around us, much of it hidden. Many people are sofa surfing, stuck in temporary accommodation, or living in unsafe conditions just to avoid sleeping on the streets. They don’t appear in these statistics, but they are still homeless and in urgent need of support.”
Duncan added: “We know that people are still feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and many are struggling to afford stable housing. Without long-term solutions, we risk seeing rough sleeping rise again. More investment in homelessness services and social housing is essential to prevent more people from being pushed into rough sleeping.
“Alongside this, organisations like Emmaus play a vital role in giving people the chance to rebuild their lives. By providing a stable home, tailored support, and work opportunities, we help people to move forward and avoid returning to homelessness.”
Based in Crosby Close, St Albans, our charity provides a home, support, and work opportunities for up to 39 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
We offer more than just a bed for the night. People supported by Emmaus receive a home, tailored support, and the opportunity to gain skills and work opportunities through its social enterprise of four shops and a house clearance service. This package of support helps people regain stability, rebuild their confidence, and work towards independence.
“Emmaus Hertfordshire have been brillliant” – companion Chris
Chris, who has been supported by Emmaus Hertfordshire for over four years, after becoming homeless during the pandemic in 2020, shared his experience: “I became homeless due to work drying up and losing my home just after the pandemic struck. I was in shock and was hungry. Sleeping on the streets I didn’t feel safe. I got robbed twice.
“Emmaus Hertfordshire have been brilliant – they gave me a bed to sleep in, a room of my own, food, companionship and work experience in their four shops, most recently in the Tring shop, which is a lovely place to work.
“The support at Emmaus Hertfordshire is great. The support team and the shop managers all help us out. It’s been a good four years. There’s no time limit here so I can stay at Emmaus for as long as I want. But I know when I am ready the team will help me move on to a new flat and a job.”
If you can help support our vital work in ending homelessness for vulnerable people like Chris, please click on the ‘Support us’ button above for the many different ways you can help get involved and make a difference.