What should I do if I’m homeless? Can people experiencing homelessness claim benefits? Why do some people end up homeless? This page answers some of the most common questions we are asked about homelessness and rough sleeping.
What should I do if I’m homeless?
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact your local council’s housing team as soon as possible – they have a legal duty to help. If you’re rough sleeping, you should alert StreetLink, who will connect you with the local outreach team who can help you access accommodation or other support. SPEAR’s outreach teams operate in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Kingston, Sutton and Merton, working to connect rough sleepers with housing and support services.
If you are currently sleeping rough, you can also use the StreetLink website or call 0300 500 0914 to raise an alert.
In an emergency, always call 999.
In extreme weather, local authorities operate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) so extra help may be available.
Are the numbers of people experiencing homelessness increasing?
Yes, homelessness is rising in England. In July 2025, there were 131,140 households and a record number of children (169,050) living in temporary accommodation – a 12% increase in a year.
Rough sleeping in London remains near record levels, between July and September 2025, 4,711 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital. In South West London, over 200 people were recorded as sleeping on the streets in the boroughs where we work in the same period.
Why is homelessness a problem?
Homelessness is a serious social problem. It harms health, wellbeing, children’s future prospects and puts pressure on public services. It is also costly to society – in terms of housing, healthcare and support – and is largely preventable with good policy and investment in affordable housing.
This is why we’re supporting Homeless Link’s Breaking the Cycle campaign, which calls for a fairer funding system to tackle homelessness nationwide. The campaign brings together charities, experts and people with lived experience to advocate for long-term investment, more flexible services and solutions that work for everyone.
Why do people end up homeless?
People become homeless for many reasons. Most frequently it’s because of the lack of affordable housing, job loss, family breakdown, domestic abuse or mental health problems. The lack of supply of social housing and rising rent prices force many people into homelessness.
Shane found himself facing homelessness when irregular work meant he fell behind on his rent and was evicted from his housing association home. Shane now works for SPEAR as a Peer Advocate Worker.
Is homelessness illegal?
Sleeping rough is still technically illegal under the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act in England and Wales, which can result in fines. The Government has confirmed it will repeal the outdated Vagrancy Act 1824 by spring 2026, to ensure rough sleeping is no longer a criminal offence.
Where do homeless people sleep?
People experiencing homelessness may sleep rough (on the streets, in a vehicle or on public transport), but many more stay in hostels, shelters, temporary accommodation like B&Bs and hotels, or “sofa surf” with friends or family. Women and LGBTQIA+ people can feel particularly unsafe when sleeping rough, so may try to stay out of sight by sleeping on night buses, in A&E waiting rooms, or in more hidden locations. Your local authority can sometimes offer emergency housing if you’re in priority need or during extreme weather.
Our Outreach teams go out late at night and early in the morning to try and find people sleeping rough, including those who may be more hidden from view, building trust and offering immediate assistance.
Can people experiencing homelessness claim benefits ?
Yes. People experiencing homelessness can claim benefits, but they must have recourse to public funds – meaning they have the legal right to access welfare support in the UK. Usually, those with recourse to public funds are entitled to Universal Credit or other benefits, even if they have no fixed address or bank account. Some people use the address of a homeless charity, day centre, hostel or Jobcentre. Housing benefit may be available for those in hostels, and the Payment Exception Service can help people who do not have a bank account.
SPEAR’s Tenancy Support Team work with clients in accommodation to ensure they receive tailored support until they are ready for independent living. The type of support available can vary from, claiming benefits and budgeting to access to employment and training.
Can people experiencing homelessness have a bank account?
Yes, people experiencing homelessness can open and keep a bank account, although the process can be more difficult. Some banks offer “no fixed address” accounts, often with help from a homeless charity or day centre to verify identity. Homeless charities, like SPEAR, can help people apply and banks should be flexible with ID requirements – sometimes accepting letters from a charity, hostel or the council. Having a bank account can help access benefits and employment.
Are homeless shelters free?
Most homeless shelters provide free accommodation, but some may charge a small fee (often covered by housing benefits). Emergency protocols like the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) ensures that help is available to those in immediate danger, regardless of circumstances.
SPEAR provides accommodation and tailored support that helps people leave homelessness behind, regain confidence and work towards independence. Our accommodation services range from 24-hour supported hostels to shared housing and independent flats. Each setting provides a stable home environment where clients can access the right support, guidance and opportunities for their next step.
Can people experiencing homelessness get jobs?
People experiencing homelessness can and do work, but it is much harder to find and keep a job without a stable home. Barriers include lack of a secure address, difficulty accessing washing and laundry facilities, no access to computers and coping with the stresses of homelessness. Many people experiencing homelessness are keen to work but need housing stability to move forward.
Once our clients are settled in accommodation, we encourage them to volunteer to gain experience and improving their chances of finding a job. Volunteering provides valuable experience of the workplace, helps build confidence and self-esteem, and gives structure to daily life. Many of our clients volunteer at SPEAR’s Health and Wellbeing Days, where they support others facing similar challenges. It’s also a chance to be part of a team, engage with professionals and play a meaningful role in the community.
Do people experiencing homelessness pay taxes?
Yes. People experiencing homelessness pay taxes on things they purchase, like everyone else. If they are working, they pay National Insurance and income tax like all employees. However, work is much harder to access if you are experiencing homelessness.
Is homelessness a choice?
Homelessness is almost never a choice. Most people become homeless due to circumstances beyond their control – such as job loss, lack of affordable accommodation, health issues, or family or relationship breakdown. It is a result of systemic failures, not personal preference. With the right support and policy change, homelessness can be ended.
Are people experiencing homelessness allowed to have dogs?
Yes, people experiencing homelessness are allowed to have dogs, and many cherish their dogs as family and lifelines. However, only about one in ten homeless hostels accept pets, meaning some people are forced to choose between shelter and keeping their companion.
Are people experiencing homelessness vulnerable?
Homelessness is an extremely vulnerable state, both physically and mentally. People experiencing homelessness are much more likely to experience poor health, mental health problems and exposure to violence or abuse. The law recognises some homeless people as “vulnerable” – such as those with disabilities, health conditions, young people or those fleeing violence – meaning councils must provide additional support and emergency accommodation to them.