New figures released this autumn show that 4,793 people were recorded sleeping rough in England on a single night — the highest level in 15 years.
It marks the fourth consecutive annual increase in rough sleeping across England.
These national figures show that homelessness is rising again. And while the numbers are recorded across England, the impact is being felt here in Cambridge.
Across Cambridgeshire, around 2,000 people are currently living in emergency housing, and on any one night around 40 people are sleeping rough in Cambridge city itself.
Behind every number is a person.
Why Is Homelessness Increasing?
Charities have described the current situation as a “perfect storm” — a combination of pressures pushing more people into housing crisis.
- Rising Rents: Private rents have increased significantly, particularly in cities like Cambridge. Even small rent rises can make a tenancy unaffordable for someone on a low income.
- Housing Benefit Falling Behind: Local Housing Allowance has not kept pace with real market rents. This leaves many renters with a shortfall every month — money they simply do not have.
- Shortage of Affordable Housing: There are not enough genuinely affordable or social homes available. When someone loses a tenancy, there are few safe alternatives.
- Cost of Living Pressures: Higher energy bills, food costs and everyday expenses mean many people are living on the edge. One unexpected bill, relationship breakdown or job loss can quickly lead to homelessness.
By the time someone reaches Jimmy’s, they have usually exhausted every possible option.
The Reality of Rough Sleeping
Rough sleeping is not just uncomfortable — it is exhausting, frightening and dangerous.
When you are sleeping outside, you are constantly alert. You cannot properly rest. You worry about your safety, your belongings, and where your next meal will come from.
Homelessness affects people from all walks of life — including families and, sadly, children. It can be linked to mental health challenges, addiction, trauma, relationship breakdown or sudden financial crisis. Often, it is a combination of factors.
What Jimmy’s Does
At Jimmy’s, we work at the sharp end of homelessness in Cambridge.
We provide:
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Safe, high-quality accommodation
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Personal, compassionate support
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Access to mental health and addiction services
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Long-term support to help people move into and sustain their own homes
Because a bed alone is not enough.
Recovery cannot be rushed. Consistency and patience change lives. Without continued support, the risk of tenancy breakdown is high. With the right support, independence becomes sustainable.
We regularly see people move from years on the street to holding the keys to their own front door. Those moments — the relief, the pride, the sense of safety — are life-changing.
What Needs to Change
If homelessness in Cambridge and across the UK is to stop rising, we need:
- Housing benefit that reflects real rent levels
- Investment in social and affordable housing
- Strong prevention services
- Long-term recovery and resettlement support
This crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of policy, economics and systems — which means it can be changed.
How You Can Help
As homelessness rises, demand for our services continues to grow.
Your support helps us to:
- Keep our doors open
- Provide safe accommodation
- Offer specialist, person-centred support
- Help people rebuild their lives at their own pace
If you would like to stand with people facing homelessness in Cambridge:
👉 Donate today
👉 Volunteer with us
👉 Learn more about our work
Read more on Homeless Link here.
Article from the BBC here.
Because everyone deserves more than survival. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.