Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A homelessness charity has welcomed new figures showing a decline in rough sleeping across Croydon, calling it a positive sign of progress in local efforts.
A homeless organization has applauded data indicating that fewer people are sleeping on the streets in two districts in South London.
As reported by South London Press & Mercury, in comparison to the same period in 2024, homelessness in Croydon and Lambeth decreased by 13% and 10%, respectively, in January and March of 2025, according to data made public by the GLA Rough Sleeper Team.
James Hayes, chief executive of homeless charity Emmaus SLC which operates in Lambeth and Croydon said:
“We must recognise the contribution of charities like Emmaus, who have helped achieve this welcome reduction and the hard work of all services who support rough sleepers in Lambeth and Croydon.”
The two boroughs defy the average for the entire city of London, where the number of homeless persons rose by 8% to 4427.
Additionally, statistics reveal that the number of women sleeping on the streets in the city has increased by 22%.
Mr Hayes said:
“These figures are incredibly tough to read, but unsurprising, as we see first-hand, every day, the impact of the lack of affordable housing and rising costs of living, which is creating a huge increase in demand for our services at a time when costs for charities are leading to unsustainable operating costs.”
Data indicates that 75% of rough sleepers were booked into accommodations, up from 65% over the same period last year, despite the rise in the number of persons compelled to sleep on the streets.
For people experiencing homelessness and poverty, Emmaus SLC offers essential resources, support, and housing. The nonprofit also helps people live freely without having to worry about homelessness.
In order to address problems like mental health, addiction, and antisocial behavior among rough sleepers, Croydon collaborates closely with neighborhood landlords, organizations, and partners in the voluntary sector.
Mr Hayes said:
“We need to ensure that charities can continue to operate sustainably to assist people to stay out of the poverty trap.
There is an increase in demand for our services, and an increase in costs means we are at risk of not being able to offer the same level of support to those who rely on us.”
He added that the increase in support needs, plus rising costs, are putting our existing model under threat.
For more information about Emmaus SLC, locals can visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/slc/
What specific measures have been taken to reduce rough sleeping in Croydon?
With over 80% of new rough sleepers being taken off the streets quickly—one of the greatest rates among outer London boroughs—Crowdon continues to perform well in preventing them from spending a second night on the streets.
In order to provide specialized treatments for each category, the council creates an annual plan that targets new rough sleepers, long-term rough sleepers, and those who are returning to rough sleeping.
To guarantee a responsive outreach service, comprising a specialized support staff and a dedicated Rough Sleeping Team, Croydon has re-tendered service contracts financed by the Rough Sleeping Initiative Grant.
The council helps homeless people find stable housing with wraparound support by offering emergency housing and Housing First services with more than £4 million in government funding.