20/08/2026
We strongly welcome the government’s commitment to give every person sleeping rough a bed this winter, alongside a further £102m in funding.
This is a vital step in providing immediate help to people sleeping on the streets. We’re also encouraged to see the government recognise that holistic support is crucial to breaking the cycle of homelessness.
But the key question is: what happens next?
Many people experiencing homelessness need more than somewhere to stay during the winter months. They need access to wraparound support, including mental health and addiction services, opportunities to build social connections, and good quality supported accommodation.
Latest national figures show that 62% of people experiencing homelessness had one or more support needs.
We now need to see this commitment built upon through long-term action: greater investment in preventing homelessness, more genuinely affordable housing and better access to local support services.
At Emmaus Greenwich, we empower people to overcome homelessness for good by providing the foundation of a home and life-changing, tailored support. Ultimately, the goal must be to help people move into independent, affordable housing and away from homelessness for good.
We welcome this important step - but getting everyone home for good must be the goal.
