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Homelessness in the East: the stark reality

Hopestead Statement on Crisis’ Homelessness Monitor 2025

The latest Homelessness Monitor 2025, commissioned by Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt University, paints a deeply concerning picture of rising homelessness across England and the East is no exception.

In 2024, an estimated 26,200 people in the East of England experienced homelessness, reflecting the national trend of sharp increases. Across England, 299,100 households faced acute homelessness, a 21% rise since 2022 and 45% higher than in 2012.

Alarmingly, rough sleeping in our region is escalating, with 412 people estimated to be sleeping rough on any given night and 643 recorded by March 2025. If current trends continue, this could mean as many as 1,900 individuals sleeping rough over the course of the year.

Local authorities in the East are under immense pressure, with 36,900 households assessed as homeless in 2024 and 8,230 owed a duty in just the first quarter of 2025. Despite these efforts, prevention and relief outcomes are declining, and councils spending millions on temporary accommodation. South Norfolk and Broadland’s budget alone has soared from £45,000 pre-COVID to £1.7 million this year.

Behind these numbers are real lives. Domestic abuse remains a leading cause of homelessness, and evictions from asylum accommodation and institutional discharge are rising sharply. Tragically, Norfolk saw nine deaths among people experiencing homelessness last year, nearly double the previous year.

Lucy Parish, Director of Operations at Hopestead commented: "These figures are a stark reminder that homelessness is not just a statistic, it’s a human crisis. In the East of England, thousands of people are living without the security of a home, and the situation is worsening. We urgently need investment in affordable housing and stronger prevention measures. Hopestead is committed to working with partners to ensure that no one in our region faces the devastating reality of homelessness."

Hopestead believes homelessness is preventable. Without decisive action, more individuals and families in the East of England will face the devastating reality of homelessness.