Tag: homelessness

Week 1 – Government figures show increase in number of rough sleepers in Leeds

This image depicts a homeless woman sat on the ground wrapped in a sleeping bag with a cigarette in her hand. There is a dog sat in her lap and they are both looking into the distance.

Government figures from 2023 found that the number of rough sleepers in Leeds increased by 32% over the year

This image depicts a homeless man crouching outside McDonalds. He has a blue backpack between his legs and is looking into the distance away from the camera
Mark Fitzgerald, 36, a former chef, is one of the many now living on the streets of Leeds

The increase in the number of rough sleepers in Leeds underscores a growing crisis in the UK.

This rise shows the strain local services are facing and highlights the demand for lasting solutions to combat homelessness.

Mark Fitzgerald, 36, is a former chef, and has been sleeping on the streets for almost 4 months after losing his flat due to struggles with addiction.

“I just feel totally invisible. Nobody really notices you,” he says. “I can’t remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep, and it’s even worse this time of year.”

As the number of rough sleepers continues to rise, Leeds is confronted with increasing pressure to deal with the underlying causes of homelessness and prevent more individuals from being neglected.

Leeds City Council says: “We strive to deliver compassionate and caring services, that reduce inequalities, overcome accessibility barriers for potentially vulnerable or under-represented small groups, and builds in homelessness education for the city.”

Read my weekly reflection here.