The average age of death for a homeless person is just 44
In just one year, 1,611 people died homeless in the UK – that’s more than 4 people every day dying for connection*.
This is shocking and should be unacceptable in one of the world’s richest countries.
Behind every statistic is a person who has been denied the stability, dignity and connection we all need to thrive. People sleeping rough often go without the basics many of us take for granted: a hot meal, a shower, a safe bed and someone to listen. Trauma and poor mental health can make it even harder to access support, leaving many trapped in a cycle of isolation and hardship.
How we’re changing that
At The Connection, we help people to recover and find their way off the streets. We welcome hundreds of people a week and provide the things they need today – a hot meal, shower, phone charger. Then we support them to move forward towards health, happiness, and a place to call home.
We get to know every person we work with. We go the extra mile to understand their needs and hopes for the future, and are creative about finding solutions. This could be housing support, benefits advice or help to find work.
The journey can be long, and it’s not an easy path. But we take heart, we stick with people and we don’t give up, supporting them to find their way home.
How you can help
We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets and everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. Together we can make this happen.
Join our newsletter – Understanding the complex causes and consequences of homelessness brings us one step closer to ending rough sleeping for all
Fundraise for us – There are so many ways you can fundraise for us, no idea is too big or small
Meet some of the people we’ve helped
In 2024/25 we helped 1,618 people on their journey away from homelessness. Here are some of their stories.
*2024 data from the Museum of Homelessness
**Source ONS data 2021