The Homeless Street Angels organization reports a “week-in, week-out” worsening of the crisis, as new faces appear on the streets faster than support services can relocate them.
In the city of Leeds, where rough sleeping has increased by 75% over the last three years, local charities are warning that they are reaching a breaking point. Homeless Street Angels, a volunteer-led group, now prepares 240 food boxes weekly—a 100% increase from their output three years ago. Co-founder Becky Joyce noted that even with increased production, volunteers are frequently running out of supplies before completing their nightly routes.
The charity highlights the logistical hurdles faced by those trying to navigate the social housing system. Many homeless individuals, like Josh—who has lived in a tent for over a year—struggle to maintain contact with social workers due to a lack of basic technology like mobile phones. This “digital divide” often stalls the application process for permanent housing, leaving individuals stranded in unsafe environments outside the city center.
“It’s getting worse and worse. We see a lot of new faces, which is upsetting because the more people we think we get off the streets, the more people are coming on.”
For those who do find housing, the transition is only part of the journey. Former rough sleeper Gareth, 31, emphasized that the mental health support provided by these communities is vital in preventing a return to the streets. However, the charity reports that even statutory services, such as probation units, are now turning to them for basic supplies like sleeping bags for individuals released from prison without any fixed address.
SOURCES: Homeless Street Angels (Leeds), Ministry of Justice, West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
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