Charity warns ending rough sleeping requires more than just housing

A charity in Essex has warned that Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s ambition to eliminate rough sleeping by Christmas cannot succeed through housing provision alone. Bill Lewis, a former homeless individual now working for Streets2Homes, expressed skepticism about the timeline, emphasizing that the underlying issues driving homelessness extend far beyond the lack of a roof.

Lewis, who experienced life on the streets during harsh winters in Harlow, described his past struggles with drug addiction and the cyclical nature of homelessness. After initially finding stability through the charity, he relapsed but has since remained sober, crediting both organizational support and his faith. He now works as an outreach project worker, highlighting that individuals with “complex needs” require ongoing, intensive care to prevent them from failing tenancies and returning to the streets within months.

Kerrie Eastman, the charity’s director since 2010, noted that the number of people sleeping outdoors in Harlow has been steadily increasing. Data from the 12 months leading to July 2026 shows a 30% rise in nightly rough sleepers compared to the previous year. Eastman attributes this surge to the cost-of-living crisis and a significant gap between local housing allowances and actual rental costs. While the allowance for a one-bedroom home is £810, average rents in the area reach £1,021, with shared rooms commanding around £730.

To combat these challenges, Streets2Homes provides supported accommodation in two Victorian cottages and recently acquired eight modular pods donated by developer Hill Group. Despite these efforts, Eastman cautioned that current resources are insufficient for the most vulnerable cases, who often need mental health nursing and specialized psychological support.

The UK government has pledged £442 million in additional funding over three years to support the national drive, promising emergency accommodation and practical help with health and housing needs. Chris Vince, the Labour MP for Harlow and a former outreach worker for the same charity, described the prime minister’s target as ambitious but achievable, citing the rapid placement of homeless individuals during the pandemic as proof of concept. However, Vince stressed to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner that the initiative must be paired with robust support structures to ensure long-term stability.