London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a major new initiative aimed at tackling the capital’s worsening homelessness crisis — a move that will see up to 500 unused homes repurposed to house rough sleepers, as part of a broader goal to eliminate rough sleeping entirely by 2030.
The properties, which are currently vacant social housing units owned by local councils or housing associations, will be renovated using £17 million in funding from central government. Once refurbished, they will be made available to people at high risk of homelessness, particularly those exiting hostels or emergency shelters, and in some cases, those coming directly off the streets.
Changing the Rules to Prevent Crisis
At the heart of Khan’s plan is a shift in policy: by 2028, the eligibility rules will be changed so that help can be provided before individuals spend a night on the streets. Currently, many people must sleep rough before they qualify for certain services — a situation that critics say is inhumane and dangerous.
One woman, Khora, shared her personal experience of becoming homeless at a launch event for the new plan. “I was told to sleep outside for three nights before I could get help,” she said, describing the fear and uncertainty of moving from place to place each night to stay safe. Her story highlighted the urgent need for earlier interventions.
New Housing, Long-Term Support
The 500 homes will be part of the Clearing House partnership, a coalition of over 40 housing associations and support providers that already manages more than 3,500 flats for rough sleepers at subsidized rent levels. The new additions aim to raise that number to 4,000, with each home matched to tailored support services for residents with complex needs.
“These homes aren’t temporary shelters,” Khan explained. “They are long-term, stable accommodations. You can’t expect someone who’s been through trauma or long-term homelessness to just move on after a few weeks.”
Importantly, the homes will be allocated to people regardless of whether they have a local connection to the area — a policy shift designed to remove bureaucratic obstacles for those seeking help.
A Growing Crisis
Between January and March 2025, over 4,400 people were recorded sleeping rough in London — an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Nearly half were first-time rough sleepers, and 16% were classed as long-term street homeless. The number of rough sleepers typically spikes during warmer months, with nearly 4,800 individuals recorded between July and September 2024 alone.
The demographic breakdown shows that 47% of those on the streets are British nationals, while the rest include people from Europe, Africa, and Asia — some of whom face additional barriers due to immigration status or lack of documentation.
Focus on Prevention and Support
City Hall says the new approach is rooted in prevention and early support. The strategy includes the launch of Ending Homelessness Hubs across London and a dedicated phone line to help people at risk before they reach a crisis point.
Support services will also be expanded for individuals with complex needs, such as mental health issues or substance dependency — groups that are often underserved in the current system.
Sir Sadiq, speaking at St John’s Church in Waterloo, emphasized the scale of the challenge. “Rough sleeping has risen 58% in the last 10 years. One in every 21 children in our city is now living in temporary accommodation. We cannot let this continue.”
Backed by Advocates, Watched by Critics
The mayor’s announcement drew praise from advocacy groups. Emma Haddad, CEO of homelessness charity St Mungo’s, welcomed the shift away from the so-called “verification-based model,” which has required people to prove their rough sleeping status before receiving aid. “This new approach means we can intervene earlier, and that can save lives,” she said.
Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, added: “A long-term prevention strategy is crucial. Stopping more people from falling into homelessness is as important as helping those already on the streets.”
Since Khan first took office in 2016, City Hall says its rough sleeping programmes have helped around 18,000 people, with 75% remaining off the streets permanently. Nearly £45 million will be spent on homelessness initiatives in the current financial year.
Looking Ahead
While ambitious, the plan has its skeptics. Previous efforts by governments to “end rough sleeping” have fallen short. Still, Khan’s renewed focus on prevention, housing-first models, and earlier intervention marks a significant shift from reactive to proactive policymaking.
Rushanara Ali, MP and Minister for Homelessness, called the initiative “bold” and aligned with the national government’s own efforts to address the root causes of homelessness.
As the capital faces mounting pressure from a growing housing crisis and deepening inequality, the success of this initiative may offer a blueprint for other cities — or a cautionary tale of missed opportunity.
