Rough sleeper count: council kept hundreds off streets in past year
Volunteers counted 11 people sleeping on the streets of Hackney during the annual rough sleeper count – the lowest number since 2013, when the count was first introduced nationally.
The housing crisis in Hackney and the cost of living increases have led to a growing number of individuals having to resort to sleeping on the street.
More than 250 new rough sleepers were referred to our outreach team in the past year - and it is testament to the work of that team and our partners that the street count recorded such low numbers. Of those only seven have been living on the streets for more than three months. Every rough-sleeper is offered a place to sleep, but for complex reasons, have not taken up that offer.”
The official street count gives a ‘snapshot’ of the number of people bedding down outside, or in buildings or other places not designed for habitation. A team of Hackney Council staff, outreach workers and volunteers covered every ward in the borough.
How we can help you
If you think you are going to become homeless or are homeless, you should try to get help from the Council as soon as possible.
- Contact us – if you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness
How you can help
- Tell Street Link – if you’re concerned about someone rough sleeping or direct them to the Greenhouse in Tudor Road, E9, the Council’s one stop shop for advice and services for people facing homelessness.
- Tap: Donate to the Mayor of London’s rough sleeping fund, which supports local charities. There are donation points at Hackney Town Hall reception and at the cafe in the Hackney Service Centre, in Reading Lane, both in Hackney Centrtal.
- Time: Find out about local volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Centre Hackney
- Talk: A smile or ‘hello’ can make a big difference, to help someone feel less invisible and part of the community
Or you can:
- Let your property – if you or someone you know has an unused, self-contained property that could be used as emergency accommodation contact the Housing Supply team on 020 8356 4411 or housingsupply@hackney.gov.uk
Cost of living support
A new cost of living crisis team – called the Money Hub – has been set up for those in severe hardship and who have no other source of money, and those most at risk of homelessness.
The team, co-funded by the local NHS, can help people facing:
- An unexpected emergency situation where you need a small amount of money to help you over the next few days;
- Ongoing financial issues such as rent or if you’re struggling to manage debts;
- Or if you need essential household items like beds, fridges or cooking equipment.
Funding is limited and the Council has to target those who need it most. However, in most cases it can provide advice, support and help in other ways. The team can also check people are receiving all of the benefits to which they're entitled.
To talk to a Money Hub officer, either:
- Complete this form
- Call: 020 8356 3111
- Or, visit a Hackney library or the Hackney Service Centre, and a staff member will help fill out the Money Hub form.