World Homeless Day: Building Pathways Out of Homelessness

Across the UK, the housing crisis continues to deepen. Record waiting lists, shrinking availability of affordable homes, and increasing demand for temporary accommodation are pushing more households into housing insecurity.

By connecting individuals and families willing to relocate with safe, affordable, long-term housing, we are helping people break free from cycles of instability.

World Homeless Day and Our Mission

Every year on 10th October, World Homeless Day shines a light on the realities of homelessness and the urgent need for lasting solutions. It’s a moment to recognise the scale of the challenge and the innovative approaches that are making a difference.

This day underscores our mission: helping people find the security of a home and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Whitepaper Coming Soon

Later this year, we will release a new whitepaper based on its most recent national survey of households supported through our scheme. The findings highlight both the scale of housing need and the transformative impact of relocation support.

Here’s a preview of what our upcoming whitepaper reveals:

• Over half (54%) of respondents faced homelessness or eviction before turning to Homefinder UK
• More than 1 in 5 had been searching for permanent housing for over 5 years
• Respondents reported significant improvements, including better mental health, lower housing costs, and living in safer neighbourhoods
• High satisfaction levels: Over 70% were ‘very satisfied’ with the support received from Homefinder UK

Fill out this short form to receive an update as soon as Homefinder UK's upcoming whitepaper is released.

Real Impact, Real Change from Housing Solutions in Action

We have now helped over 1,800 individuals and families relocate to safe, long-term housing – including over 230 survivors of domestic abuse and dozens of rough sleepers. Our scheme works by helping those prepared to move to a new location offering them affordable and available housing in different parts of the country. For those who take up this option it can offer a route to permanent and suitable housing.

Our 2024/25 Impact Report reveals that the scheme not only provides direct relocation support but also delivers substantial cost savings to local authorities.

In 2024/25 alone, we saved councils over £3 million in temporary accommodation costs, while maintaining a tenancy failure rate of less than 1% which is significantly lower than national averages.

Download our 2024/2025 Impact Report 

Sharon Roberts, Head of Lettings at Southern Housing and Chair of Homefinder UK said: “We know that a safe, secure home is the foundation for everything else – from education to employment and recovery - This impact is only possible because of our dedicated team, our local authority and housing association partners, and the individuals who trust us with their journey.”

StreetLink: Be the Link That Connects Someone to Support

Homelessness can affect anyone, and spotting the signs early can help save lives. Through StreetLink, members of the public can connect people sleeping rough to local outreach teams who can offer support, shelter, and safety.

Since its launch, the platform has enabled over 219,000 alerts across England and Wales, each one a vital step toward ending rough sleeping.

This World Homelessness Day, StreetLink is also launching its new Impact Stories Hub — a space to read real stories of people helped through alerts, and to see how collective action creates real change.

If you see someone sleeping rough, make a StreetLink alert today at thestreetlink.org.uk

Together, We Can Create Pathways Out of Homelessness

World Homeless Day is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person and someone seeking safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild. We remain committed to turning that hope into reality by connecting people to homes that change lives.

With the continued support of our amazing partner local authorities and housing associations, we can expand the pathways out of homelessness and housing insecurity.