Rising Homelessness Deaths in the UK
Recent reports from the BBC and the Museum of Homelessness reveal a shocking increase in homelessness deaths across the UK. In 2024, 1,611 people experiencing homelessness died, a 9% rise from the previous year. In the East of England, deaths rose from 95 in 2023 to 114 in 2024, with Cambridgeshire alone recording 22 fatalities.
Why People Are Dying
Homelessness is about far more than housing. Many deaths are linked to:
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Poor physical and mental health
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Lack of access to healthcare
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Unsafe or temporary accommodation
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Social isolation and stigma
As Vanessa Hemmings, CEO of Harp in Southend, said:
“People should not be dying on the streets. That should not be happening in this day and age.”
The Museum of Homelessness also highlights the scale of the crisis:
“Turning the tide on this enormous loss of life needs more than better counting,” says Gill Taylor, Strategic Lead for the Dying Homeless Project.
Individuals like Frank, a man from Zimbabwe who has been rough sleeping since June, show the human impact behind the numbers. He faces extreme weather, public stigma, and a lack of healthcare. Tragically, some of the most vulnerable die alone, slipping through gaps in support.
What Jimmy’s Cambridge Is Doing
At Jimmy’s, we provide:
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Emergency accommodation
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Long-term supported housing
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Access to healthcare and wellbeing support
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Pathways into employment and community support
But rising demand means we cannot do it alone.
How You Can Help
We need the support of our community to ensure no one is left behind. You can help by:
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Raising awareness about homelessness
Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Together, we can prevent needless deaths and provide hope to those who need it most.