We’ve signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping – will you?

a photo of a red bus, text reads, a bus is not a flat, but for too many it is. London Charter
The London Charter to End Rough Sleeping was launched today in London.

We are a founding member of London Charter to End Rough Sleeping and were thrilled to attend its launch event in London today.

We were joined by the Greater London Authority, MPs, local business leaders and other charities in signing the Charter.

The London Charter to End Rough Sleeping has been created by people working in homelessness to bring everyone together around a common goal to end rough sleeping.

It communicates what rough sleeping really looks like in London and the best ways we can help.

Specifically, the charter aims to:

Create a shared vision and enable people and communities to support our goal, Make a public commitment to work together to end rough sleeping, Strengthen the partnerships that are already in place, Provide opportunities for residents, businesses, workers, faith groups, charities and public bodies in London to help end rough sleeping, Communicate what rough sleeping looks like in London and how to best help, Provide transparency, accountability, and a way to monitor progress

It is also guided by the following principles:

  1. People sleeping rough may have problems but they aren’t problem people;
  2. Help needs to be in place to prevent people from sleeping rough in the first place; addressing the underlying causes of street homelessness not symptoms;
  3. Everyone who sleeps rough is unique and there should be meaningful options for all, regardless of immigration status
  4. People who have experienced sleeping rough must be involved in the development and delivery of solutions
  5. Support, community links and accommodation needs to be in place so that people can thrive
  6. People sleeping rough must be safe from violence, abuse, theft and discrimination and have the full protection of the law

Why do we need the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping?

Rough sleeping is not the result of one person’s poor decisions. It has been created by the society and systems we live in and influence everyday.

This has led to rough sleeping become endemic in our society, with 10,053 people sleeping rough in London alone in 2022/3.

Pam, Sadiq Khan and others at the launch event
Sadiq Khan, Pam Orchard and Others at the London Charter Launch Event

But if rough sleeping was created by our society, then it can be ended by our society.

Ending rough sleeping is a challenge we can solve together. Whether you sign on to our charter, volunteer for one hour, or donate even a few quid, you can make a difference today.

Please sign the charter today. People sleeping rough in London need you.