Ending rough sleeping by 2012

We believe that everyone has a right to shelter in 21st century Britain.  There must be an alternative to the streets for every person in every area. 

Rough sleeping numbers have fallen over the last decade, however between 2006 and 2008 the figures remained static.  We believed it was time for fresh thinking and campaigned for more than three years, alongside our members, for a new strategy not only to help stop the flow onto the streets, but also to help those already there move on to independent lives.   

PROGRESS so far

On November 18 2008, the Government launched No One Left Out: Communities ending rough sleeping, a 15 point action plan developed with leading rough sleeping charities to help end rough sleeping for good.  This was followed by a pledge from the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to end rough sleeping in London. This is significant as London accounts for more than half the national rough sleeping population. 

A Challenge for our time...

We are campaigning for an end to rough sleeping ‘once and for all’ in this country by the time the Olympics come to Britain in 2012.  Often homelessness is swept out of sight for the Olympics, this time we believe it can be different. The goal is ambitious, but grounded in the success of the last ten years, when Government, charities and local councils have worked together to reduce the problem. As a result, Britain has achieved international recognition for its leadership in this area.

Homeless Link is calling for 10 key challenges to be overcome.  We have spokespeople available to speak to these issues. 

We are also developing a manifesto in conjunction with our members.  We believe it is critical in the run up to a General Election in 2010 that ending homelessness and rough sleeping remain high on the agenda.