ALABARÉ condemns 9% increase in homeless deaths
The charity believes ‘no one should be left behind’ after stats show 1,611 people experiencing homelessness died last year.
ALABARÉ has been responding to new figures on the number of homeless deaths during 2024, which have risen by 9%, to a total of 1,611.
Stats released by the Museum of Homelessness show the crisis that’s facing rough sleepers across the UK, with demand for ALABARÉ’s services also rising by 12.3% during the last financial year.
The charity has supported living accommodation for homeless adults, veterans, young people, including parents with babies, people with learning disabilities, and those with mental health challenges, across the South West and Wales.
The South West in particular has seen one of the biggest increases in homeless deaths in the latest figures, to 147 during 2024.
ALABARÉ believes the system is broken and that more funding and support are required to break the cycle of homelessness for good.
Naomi Webb, Head of Homelessness Services at the charity, said:
“The increase coming through our drop-in centres would heavily suggest that the number of those sleeping on the street is significantly rising.
“The impact of being on the streets does have a profound effect on your well-being and your health, which ultimately, unfortunately, if it’s not picked up, leads to death.
“The research suggests the true number of deaths is likely higher, as some local authorities might only record when the person who has applied to their local council for homelessness help dies in temporary accommodation, rather than all the members of their family.”
ALABARÉ is also concerned that the number of homeless deaths may be higher due to many potential residents feeling uneasy about reaching out for help.
Last week, the Government set out a commitment to spend £1 billion on tackling homelessness, which ALABARÉ has welcomed.
The long-awaited homelessness strategy is due to be published in the coming months, and the charity is keen to see a renewed focus to match its commitment to providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds.
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