Beyond the Headlines: What Recent Reports Reveal About Homelessness in the UK

Every so often, the headlines catch up with what frontline organisations have known for years. This month, three powerful reports surfaced – each exposing a different layer of the homelessness crisis in the UK. Each one demands attention. With each one echoing the realities we see every day at Homeless House.

The Women We Don’t Count

Sky News recently reported that nine out of ten homeless women are missing from official government figures. Why? Because they’re not sleeping rough in ways that are visible. They’re in cars. On friends’ floors. In relationships that feel safer than the streets – but still unsafe.

We’ve worked with women who’ve never appeared in a count, never qualified for emergency support, and never felt seen. This isn’t just a data gap. It’s a protection gap. And it’s why trauma-informed, gender-sensitive services aren’t optional — they’re urgent.

Nine out of 10 homeless women missing from official government figures, charities warnnews.sky.com/story/nine-out-of-10-homeless-women-missing-from-official-government-figures-charities-warn-13392246

Homelessness Isn’t Equal

A new study from Heriot-Watt University, covered by ITV News, revealed that Black people in the UK are almost four times more likely to become homeless. The numbers are stark. But the lived experience behind them is even starker.

We’ve seen how systemic barriers – from housing discrimination to lack of culturally competent support – compound vulnerability. Homelessness isn’t just about housing. It’s about justice and equity must be at the heart of every solution we build.

Itvitv.com/news/2025-07-11/black-people-in-uk-almost-four-times-more-likely-to-become-homeless

A Promise of Prevention

The Big Issue reported that Labour has pledged £1bn to tackle homelessness in 2025 – the largest investment of its kind. It’s a bold promise!! However, it’s one we welcome.

But funding alone isn’t enough. It must be directed with care, shaped by lived experience, and protected from bureaucracy that dilutes its impact. Prevention is protection.

At Homeless House, we’re not just responding to headlines. We’re building something quietly – something shaped by these realities and rooted in dignity. We’ll share more when the time is right. For now, we invite you to read, reflect, and stand with us.

Labour promises £1bn to tackle homelessness in shift towards prevention: ‘It’s time to turn the tide’bigissue.com/news/housing/homelessness-prevention-labour-2025