World Homeless Day is an opportunity for us to come together and shine a spotlight on a critical issue that affects the lives of millions of people across the world.

As the cost of living crisis continues to impact our lives, and homelessness numbers continue to rise, this day prompts us to think deeply about the reasons behind homelessness and potential solutions and challenges us to break down the stereotypes and stigma associated with it. It also provides an opportunity for everyone to find out more about homelessness and contribute to making lasting change.

At the Centre, we believe in the power of collaboration and evidence-based solutions to help accelerate an end to homelessness. We work to generate research and evidence to fill the gaps in our understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to ending homelessness. For us, World Homeless Day presents us with the opportunity to share some of that knowledge and encourage others to get involved. We also send love and strength to people who are experiencing homelessness, or have done so.

We know that ending homelessness is a challenge, and that it’s a challenge that can only be overcome by working together and learning from each other. That’s why, we have shared three simple actions you can take to accelerate our learning about homelessness and to join us on our mission to end homelessness.

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Challenge stigma by using realistic and evidence-led imagery

When most people think of homelessness, they conjure up a specific image. It's often that of an older white man, alone, sleeping on cardboard in a shop doorway. This mental snapshot, however, barely scratches the surface of the diverse reality of homelessness.

In the UK, homelessness takes various forms — from single people  in hostels to families staying in  in bed and breakfast accommodation, and those 'sofa surfing.' It's a broader spectrum than the singular image that typically comes to mind.

Earlier this year, we introduced a free image library. This collection goes beyond stereotypes, offering realistic and evidence-led images portraying the diverse experiences of homelessness. It's a tool available online, free of charge, for news publishers, public bodies, charities, and any organisation addressing homelessness. Our goal is to present a more accurate representation of homelessness in the UK.

Take a moment to explore our image library—a non-stigmatising collection that provides insight into the multifaceted experiences of those affected by homelessness.

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Join us at out Impact Forum

Our Impact Forums bring together the most influential thought leaders, policy-makers and practitioners, entrepreneurs and people with experiences of homelessness to exchange ideas, share, learn and collaborate. 

We invite you to join us at our next Impact Forum, in London, on November 23, 2023 for a day of discussion, debate and expert insight on the theme of: What works to stem a rising tide of homelessness?

Our Impact Forums are free to join, and we invite anyone with an interest in ending homelessness to join us for the day. You can book a ticket to join us in person in London, or to watch the event livestream.

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Share and find out about the latest research in our Research Network

Our Research Network is a dynamic community where researchers, policymakers, and practitioners collaborate to explore and implement evidence-based solutions for homelessness. With over 200 members globally, our bi-monthly Zoom meetings are a hub of knowledge exchange.

Our Research Network gives you the chance to be part of a growing community dedicated to continuous learning where you can engage with like-minded individuals passionate about housing and ending homelessness.

By joining the network, you’ll have the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative solutions, connect with experts, and actively contribute to ending homelessness. Best of all, our Research Network is free to join and welcomes anyone interested in staying informed and engaged in the latest research on homelessness.

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This World Homeless Day we invite you to be a part of the solution. We hope you’ll join us in turning compassion into action, challenging stigma and embracing a ‘what works’ approach to ending homelessness. We believe that by working together we can collectively accelerate progress towards ending homelessness. 

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Stacey Kelly is Communications Lead at the Centre for Homelessness Impact

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