We will ensure that no one in Hackney is left facing homelessness alone

In November last year, on one of the coldest nights, Councillors, council staff and volunteers conducted the annual rough sleeper count – the annual audit giving an indication of the number of people sleeping on Hackney’s streets. 20 individuals were recorded. Because of the cold weather those residents that had not already been allocated emergency accommodation were offered a warm bedspace to ensure their safety.

The figures show a small increase on the previous year and this reflects the increasing number of residents found sleeping rough as a result of the housing crisis who are supported by the outreach team. For Hackney, approximately 1,700  referrals were made to Streetlink from April 2024 to January 2025.

The Benefits and Homelessness Prevention Service, including the outreach team and partner organisations work throughout the year with residents found sleeping rough to support them into accommodation or to reconnect them with families or the home towns . It is a result of the hard work of the team and our partners that we’ve been able to keep the numbers as low as they are at a time of crisis for housing in Hackney.

Street homelessness is just one measure of the Housing Emergency in the capital. Over 3,500 households in Hackney are without a home living in temporary accommodation, often away from their support networks or without the space and facilities they need. 

Delivery of the recommendations in the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, continues to be a priority. However this isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight – the government is making strides to address some of the fundamental problems through measures such as the Renters Rights Bill but in a time of financial stress for many councils, including Hackney,  we will continue to call on the government to provide adequate funding and the necessary legislative structure to help deliver affordable secure homes for residents. 

The Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service provides the advice, support and tools to residents at risk of homelessness need to help find a settled home. We will ensure that no one in Hackney is left facing homelessness alone.

Cllr Sade Etti, Cabinet member for Homelessness Prevention, Rough Sleeping and Temporary Accommodation

If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, contact Streetlink at  https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

Further information about the support we offer to residents sleeping rough at hackney.gov.uk/rough-sleeping