The Connection at St Martin's

07/10/2026

It's Black History Month. 🖤💛❤️💚

We want to take a moment to celebrate Black history, culture and the people who shape our community, including the people we support and the people we work alongside every day.

What does Black History Month mean for Homelessness?

👉Find it out: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/news-item/black-history-month/

05/10/2026

"I don't know where I would've turned."

Henry* lost his home and ran out of money almost overnight. He was in psychosis, and sleeping rough at King's Cross felt safer than turning to anyone he knew. It was a cold December, and all he had was a big jacket.

Then he found us: breakfast, lunch, a shower and somewhere to be inside. He says he was "standoffish" at first, but our team stuck with him, and he felt no judgement here.

Today Henry has his own room in shared accommodation and a new career in construction. He's back playing tennis and recently went on his first holiday in four years.

"All I want really is just to contribute to life and be peaceful."

Read Henry's full story 👉 https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/success-story/henry/

*Name changed to protect identity.

01/10/2026

1,720 people died while experiencing homelessness in 2025, including 51 children.

The Museum of Homelessness has published its preliminary findings from the Dying Homeless Project. The findings show that the number of people who died while experiencing homelessness increased by 6.8% compared with the previous year.

Rupert Bateson, our Director of Services, said:

“Today’s findings are a stark reminder that for our clients, rough sleeping on the streets of London is more than being homeless, it’s a life limiting condition.

We take this as a time to reflect and remember those who have so sadly lost their lives well before their time.

More than ever our supporters, staff and volunteers are united in our determination to prevent deaths on the street by giving people the support, housing and hope they so desperately need.”

We remember everyone who has lost their life while experiencing homelessness.

29/09/2026

🏠 Finding Somewhere to Call Home 🏠

Helping people access safe, suitable accommodation is a vital part of what we do at The Connection.

Our team supports people every step of the way — from finding the right housing, applying, and moving in, to settling into their new place and working towards independence.

But the challenge is huge: the number of people sleeping rough in Westminster remains high and is increasing significantly every year, while many housing offers still don’t meet people’s needs.

That’s why we’re working hard to increase and improve accommodation options by building stronger partnerships and creating new pathways into housing that lasts.

👉 Together, we can help more people find a place to call home.

Learn more: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/what-we-do/finding-somewhere-to-call-home/

Helping people to find somewhere to call home is a vital part of what we do. This year, 178 people moved into accommodation with our support.

26/09/2026

For Harry, having somewhere safe to go can make all the difference.

After being referred to The Connection while sleeping rough, he found support with essentials like food and somewhere to turn when things felt overwhelming.

He also spoke about the importance of having compassionate people around him — describing the team as a “good group of staff” who keep him coming back.

Behind every person experiencing homelessness is a story. And with the right support, there can be a way forward.

👉 Read Harry’s story and learn more about our work: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/success-story/harry/

22/09/2026

💪After years of sleeping rough, Jason is rebuilding his life.

For years, Jason spent his nights walking the streets of London, carrying everything he owned and searching for somewhere safe to sleep.

After outreach workers connected him with The Connection, he found a safe place to access essentials like food, showers, clean clothes and support.

Now, Jason is focused on rebuilding his life and hopes to get back into work.

Find out more about Jason’s story and how you can support our Dying For campaign: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/dyingforconnection/

21/09/2026

Thank you. 💙

Last year, The Connection welcomed 1,261 people through our doors on Adelaide Street, providing access to essential services. We reached a further 293 people through our outreach work, supported 177 people to move into new accommodation and helped 120 people navigate their immigration status.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and partners.

Your support means we can be there for people who are rough sleeping, offering a place of welcome, a safe space, a hot meal and the opportunity to take the next step towards a more stable future.

While rough sleeping numbers are stabilising, the number of long-term rough sleepers, a group that is a particular focus for us at The Connection, continues to rise, especially in central London.

Thank you for helping us continue this work and for standing alongside people experiencing homelessness.

17/09/2026

10 years. 60% more people sleeping rough.

In 2016/17, 8,108 people were recorded sleeping rough in London.

In 2025/26, that number was 12,938.

That’s 4,830 more people living without a safe place to call home.

But behind every number is a person. A life. A story.

At The Connection, we believe change can start with something as simple as a conversation, a cup of tea, or someone taking the time to listen.

Because connection matters.

Want to understand more about the reality of rough sleeping, and what connection can make possible?

Find out more about Dying For Connection, and see the difference your support can make.

👉 https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/dyingforconnection/

14/09/2026

💔In one year, 1,611 people died while rough sleeping.

That’s more than 4 lives lost every day — in one of the world’s richest countries.

Behind every number is a person. Someone with a story, relationships, hopes and a future that should have been possible.

The Connection is on the frontline, helping people recover and find their way off the streets. Every week, we welcome hundreds of people and provide the essentials they need today. Sometimes it starts with something simple: a conversation, a cup of tea, a hot meal or a shower. From there, we build trust and support people towards safety, stability and a place to call home.

But we can’t do it alone.

You can help us be there for people who are sleeping rough — by making a donation, taking on a fundraising challenge, volunteering, or simply helping raise awareness of rough sleeping and homelessness.

Because no one should be dying for a bed.

Help us make sure more people get the chance to find their way off the streets.

🔗 Donate today: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/dyingforconnection/