London Mayor Kicks Rough Sleeping to the Curb This Winter
London’s own Sir Sadiq Khan has just dropped a hefty sum—£300,000—on two frontline charities, Crisis and St Mungo’s, to give rough sleepers a cosy winter haven and a helping hand. The money will keep Crisis’s Christmas hotels open for an extra four weeks and help St Mungo’s do the heavy lifting of assessments and personalised casework for more than 170 people.
Why It Matters
- During the festive period, Crisis shelters around 570 souls who would otherwise be living on the streets.
- Each guest gets a private room plus a dedicated “lead worker” to map out a path out of homelessness.
- Last year, 65 % of the hotel stays lasted till the end of January and those guests were still off the streets three months later.
- Crisis also runs three-day hubs offering warmth, food, and doctor‑class support like GPs, haircuts, and eye checks.
Mayor’s Bold Vision
Sadiq Khan says the city sees rough sleeping rise by 20 % this year, so he’s rallying everyone right now. “I’m setting a target to finish rough sleeping by 2030,” he claims, blaming the past government’s cuts and housing crisis for the surge. Since 2016 he’s already quadrupled funding and freed 17,600 people from the streets, 75 % of whom stayed out for good.
Getting Everyone Involved
The mayor clicked a swivel chair at Crisis’s warehouse, helping volunteers pack food for the day‑centres and hotels. He’s also gone on a soccer tour—hosting a “London vs Homelessness” match at Kingsmeadow in partnership with the Chelsea Foundation. All players pledged a volunteer shift for Crisis.
Londoners can chip in via contactless TAP London points or online, or even flag rough sleepers to StreetLink so they get help fast. Since 2017, the campaign has raised more than £700,000.
Quotes That Pack a Punch
“A lifeline for those on the streets,” says Crisis CEO Matt Downie. “The extra weeks of tailored support are a proven way to change lives. We’re all grateful for the Greater London Authority’s boost—our demand is at an all‑time high and we need the public’s help now more than ever. Your donation this Christmas can be the first stepping stone out of homelessness.”
On his part, the mayor adds, “Crisis is key, and this support will let more people get shelter and specialised help this winter. I’m proud to back them—together we’re shooting for a London without rough sleepers by 2030.”
