2025 Vigil for People who died whilst homeless

Thank you to everyone who came to the vigil. Despite the last minute change of location, from Downing Street to St Martin-in-the-Fields due to protests, it was our most well attended ever.

We read the names and held those unknown also in our hearts.

May they all Rest in Peace. 🕯💔

Candles on the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields

The purpose of the vigil is to mourn the 1611 people who have died and to provide a collective grief space for all of us who have lost people we care about.

It is also to make visible the deaths and ensure they cannot be ignored.

We are pleased therefore that after our findings were published, the government announced an extra £84 million to tackle homelessness in England, where we documented the highest rise in deaths, with a focus on temporary accommodation where we documented the most deaths this year.

A banner saying No-one should live or die without a safe place to call home - may they all rest in peace. Artist: Matt Bonner.