Our investigation finds that 1611 people experiencing homelessness died in 2024 - a 9% increase on the previous year.
Artwork by Matt Bonner
We are devastated to share our latest research into the deaths of those who die. It has revealed the continued impact at the sharpest edge of the homelessness crisis, as the Labour Government has failed to deliver on its early promises.
These statistics include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation and other insecure settings. Each fatality was verified by a freedom of information request, coroners’ report, charity or family member.
We are hosting a national vigil to remember those who we have lost on 9 October, from 6pm - 8pm opposite Downing Street.
Artwork by Matt Bonner
● The overall numbers of people who have died whilst homeless across the UK have increased by 9% with an average of four needless deaths every day of the year.
● The majority of deaths (55%) can now be classed as a ‘death of despair’ with more deaths by suicide being reported to the project and evidence of a higher rate of drug related deaths. There are significant issues with psychoactive substances such as spice and synthetic opioids across towns and cities in the UK and not enough is being done.
● Our research shows that in the last three years the proportion of those dying in temporary accommodation (including hotels) or supported accommodation has increased. Where we know about the accommodation at time of death 49% of deaths were in temporary accommodation and 18% were in supported accommodation.
● Our investigation found that eleven children died whilst experiencing homelessness – but we also know that this is an undercount. We know from the project that many temporary accommodation placements are unfit for children.
Artwork by Matt Bonner
● The use of controversial ‘exempt accommodation’ continues to result in preventable deaths. The Supported Accommodation (Regularity Oversight) Act that was passed by the last government to address this has not been brought into action by this current government.
● Some local areas are putting in place effective responses to increases in homeless deaths, of note are Glasgow and Edinburgh which have seen significant reductions in deaths since 2023.
This year we have collected information on 1,611 deaths in 2024 of people experiencing homelessness. Last year we reported 1,474 deaths, and the year before 1,313 deaths.
These statistics include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation, and other insecure settings. Each fatality was verified by a freedom of information request, coroners’ report, charity or family member.
Strategic Lead for the project, Gill Taylor said: “With heavy hearts, we report the deaths of 1611 people who died whilst homeless in 2024. Whilst it is positive that local authorities and Safeguarding Adult Boards appear to be taking the issue more seriously, with better reporting and evidence of improved local partnership working to prevent deaths, turning the tide on this enormous loss of life needs more than better counting. We remember with love all those who died and continue our work in solidarity with bereaved loved ones and the homeless community.”
The Dying Homeless Project is part of the museum’s campaigning work and we run it because everyone involved in the museum has lost people too early.
Artwork by Matt Bonner with illustration by Benji Human