Today, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government released the annual Rough Sleeper figures which showed a 31% increase in rough sleeping in Ipswich and East Suffolk from 2023.
We are concerned over the rise – from 16 to 21 people sleeping rough in the area that we deliver services, and also very aware that these figures underestimate the true scale of homelessness in Suffolk.
The latest figures, report that across the England, the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2024 is 4,667. This figure has risen for the third year in a row. In the East of England, numbers have also risen with 412 people sleeping rough, an increase of 22%.
Responding to the updated statistics, Claire Staddon, our CEO said: “These figures are deeply concerning and reflect what we’re seeing at our charity – more people struggling to find a stable home and the support they need. Rough sleeping is increasing, and we know that more and more people are at risk of becoming homeless and living in unsuitable temporary accommodation”
The data was collected as part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England. 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.
Claire added: “Emmaus Suffolk is a preventative homelessness charity, supporting people at risk of homelessness – we know that figures like this are just the tip of the iceberg. The full picture of homelessness and deprivation in Suffolk is even more alarming. Lots of people experiencing homelessness are hidden, they are sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, in their cars or living in unsafe conditions to avoid the streets.”
“We continue to work with local authorities and organisations to support people in Suffolk. However, we need more investment from the government in homelessness services, but also mental health and employment services to prevent people becoming homeless in the first instance.”
Our charity supports vulnerable people in the county through supported accommodation, training & volunteering placements, wellbeing hubs and affordable food schemes. The package of support offered by Emmaus helps people to become empowered and work towards independence.
If you would like to support Emmaus, join us at our overnight sleepout at Portman Road Stadium and fundraise for the organisation and Ipswich Town Foundation. Find out more about the Sleepout here