Homelessness is a year-round problem, but the lead up to Christmas adds extra poignancy as we consider those who don't have a home to go to during the festive period.
Our charity partner, St. Mungo's, works hard to support people experiencing homelessness. Through their outreach program, they provide life-changing, lifesaving support and a safe place to stay for rough sleepers.
Throughout the tenancy, deposits protected in our Custodial scheme accrue interest for the tenant. At the end of the tenancy, tenants can choose to have the interest paid to them or to donate it to St Mungo's.
In the past 12 months, DPS tenants have generously donated over £900,000 to St Mungo's, helping them deliver life-changing, lifesaving support for over 26,000 people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness, and provide a safe place to stay for more than 2,000 people every night.
Over 10,000 people were supported by one of 14 outreach initiatives, providing 138 different services to help support them in living a life away from homelessness, with 80% of those helped off the streets not returning to rough sleeping.
Why does this matter?
Across England, homelessness is rising at an alarming rate. New figures reveal that it's risen by 27% over the past year alone.
Approximately
1 in 165
people in England are homeless.
Over
3,500
people are sleeping rough on any given night.
322,900
are living in temporary accommodations.
20,000
people are in hostels or supported accommodations.
How St Mungo's helps stop a return to homelessness.
Frontline outreach programmes helping the homeless are only part of St Mungo's work. Exiting the homelessness trap is only the first part of the process. Without continued support, the possibility of a return to homelessness is the reality for many. St Mungo's recognises this and part of their activity provides that essential support for those escaping the streets.
Putting Down Roots
One of the many activities operated by St Mungo's is their horticulture programme, Putting Down Roots (PDR), a unique gardening programme supporting around 200 people across London and Bristol, including people experiencing chronic isolation, social anxiety and long-term street homelessness.
This programme can be a stepping stone for people experiencing homelessness who can now gain City & Guilds qualifications in Practical Horticultural Skills, helping them improve their employability.
The gardening sessions run from 10 am to 2 pm and include a staggered induction, buddy system and communal lunch, helping people feel safe and settled. The trauma-informed, person-centred approach is non-clinical and non-punitive. Staff work alongside people as equals, building trust and confidence through routine and meaningful activity. This creates some of the most consistent and supportive relationships that people supported by the charity experience, with a focus on wellbeing rather than prescribed outcomes.
Keeping in Touch
The Keeping in Touch (KIT) service provides follow-up support at three, six, and twelve months after people have moved on from St Mungo's services.
The service aims to improve tenancy sustainment, prevent repeat homelessness and help people develop independent living skills. In addition to practical admin, KIT staff often support with community integration, liaising with neighbours, local authorities, and landlords, completing safeguarding referrals, and advocating with Social Services, going beyond the standard remit of the service.
Fatima's story
“I was homeless for seven or eight years and life was quite a struggle. I was rough sleeping in London and the North East. It was an interesting experience. You had to question a lot of things when you're in a bad position. Sometimes you had to negotiate with people about where to sleep, always trying to be respectful, tidy and clean. You learn how to look after yourself and become aware of dangers too. You think of things like being attacked and become aware of issues like domestic violence – that the world isn't that safe, as a male and especially as a female.
The St Mungo's frontline team came and spoke to me on the street, and I spent some time in hospital before I was referred to a St Mungo's service. When I was out on the streets I'd heard lots of good things about St Mungo's, so I was really happy to be here. I was given tea, something to eat, someone to chat to. St Mungo's has provided me with opportunities and helps people realise their potential. It has given me the chance to do things I was always looking to do – things we have inside of us. I do fine art, which is painting and drawing and abstract art. I'm going to do two courses in Camden, one of them is in fine art. Another is in sketchbook drawing – both to develop drawing and painting.