Homelessness

A key motivation for David in tackling the challenges of The Long Runs and now the London Marathon, is raising awareness of homelessness. With that in mind we thought it would be appropriate to consider what we mean by homelessness, share some information and perhaps dispel some myths.

People become homeless because they can’t find a suitable and affordable home. Homelessness isn't just sleeping on the streets. It also includes being homeless in temporary accommodation, such as hostels and bed and breakfasts, or sofa-surfing. (Shelter)

Despite living in the world’s sixth biggest economy, people are still living with no place to call their home in this country, whether it be sleeping rough, sofa surfing or any other type of homelessness. (Big Issue)

 

Shelter lists the main reasons for people becoming homeless as:

• The chronic lack of social housing - There simply aren't enough affordable homes.

• Inadequate housing benefit - Insufficient to afford private housing.

• Insecure privately rented homes - Short contracts and 'no fault evictions, although new legislation should improve things from 1/5/26.

• Discrimination and inequality - You are more likely to become homeless if you are facing discrimination, e.g. because of your ethnicity, sex, gender or disabilities; a lone parent; a refugee; experiencing domestic abuse; receiving benefits; leaving prison, the care system or the armed forces.  

If you add into the mix the current increases in the cost of living it is not surprising that homelessness is on the increase. In December 2025, Shelter estimated that at least 382,000 people were homeless in England, that figure has by risen by a shocking 8% in one year, equivalent to 28,602 people; and that excludes the rest of the UK.

It will take a serious ongoing commitment from governments to make a meaningful impact on these awful figures, but in the short term many charities, of which The Passage is one, are achieving positive results. Please consider making a small donation, and if you already have, thank you very much.

Donate to The Passage

If you would like to read more about the issue of homelessness, click on the links below:

What causes homelessness? - Shelter England

Homelessness: Facts & Statistics - Big Issue

If you have found our Making a Difference in the Long Run blog posts interesting, please consider sharing a link with family and friends, thank you.

Posted by Nobby