Hidden Homeless Women in England May Be Underreported
Charities are warning that many hidden homeless women in England are not being included in official rough sleeping statistics. They say this means a large part of the homelessness crisis remains unseen and unaddressed.
Victoria’s Experience of Hidden Homelessness
Victoria, a 31-year-old woman, spent three years homeless in London. She says many people did not believe she was homeless because she did not match common stereotypes associated with rough sleeping.
Living Around King’s Cross Station
Instead of sleeping openly on the streets, Victoria spent much of her time around King’s Cross railway station, blending in with commuters and travelers.
Mental Health and Homelessness
Victoria explained that mental health challenges contributed to her homelessness. Life on the streets then worsened those difficulties, making it even harder to find stability and support. read more
Searching for Safety While Homeless
She often stayed awake at night to protect her belongings from theft and struggled to find safe places to rest. The busy environment around King’s Cross provided some security due to the presence of staff, police officers, and surveillance cameras.
New Survey Reveals Higher Numbers of Female Rough Sleepers
Women’s Rough Sleeping Census Findings
A survey conducted by Solace Women’s Aid and the Single Homeless Project found significantly more homeless women than official government figures suggest.
More Than 1,400 Women Identified
The census revealed that 1,406 women had experienced rough sleeping during a three-month period.
Official Figures May Underestimate Female Homelessness
In some locations, the survey identified ten times more female rough sleepers than were recorded in official government data.
Hidden Locations Used by Homeless Women
Outreach workers reported finding women in locations such as:
Parks and Secluded Areas
Many women sleep behind bushes or in hidden areas of parks to avoid detection and stay safe.
Public Transport and Waiting Areas
Some women spend nights on buses, trains, or in hospital waiting rooms where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Hidden Homelessness Creates Greater Risks for Women
Increased Vulnerability to Abuse
Victoria said she often faced harassment and unsafe situations when people discovered she was homeless.
Fear of Violence and Exploitation
Charities say many women avoid visible sleeping locations because they fear violence, abuse, and exploitation.
Barriers to Accessing Support Services
Because these women remain hidden, they are less likely to be counted in official homelessness statistics and may struggle to access housing support and emergency accommodation. know more
Survey Highlights Gaps in Government Homelessness Data
Census Conducted Across England
The survey was carried out in September 2025 and included all 33 London boroughs along with 68 additional local authority areas across England.
Comparison With Official Rough Sleeping Figures
Government data recorded 733 women sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025. The charity survey found nearly twice that number had experienced rough sleeping within the previous three months.
Areas Where Homeless Women Were Not Counted
Researchers identified 162 female rough sleepers in six local authority areas where official figures reported none.
Women Less Likely to Be Identified
According to Lucy Campbell from the Single Homeless Project, women who sleep rough are often harder to find than men, making it more difficult for them to receive support.
Two-Thirds of Women May Be Missing From Official Counts
The charities estimate that around two-thirds of the women identified in the survey would not have been included under the government’s current counting method.
Calls for Better Recognition of Women’s Homelessness
Concerns Over Current Counting Methods
Official government figures focus on people sleeping outdoors or in places not designed for habitation on a single night.
Hidden Sleeping Arrangements Not Captured
Charities argue that many women deliberately stay in concealed locations for safety reasons, meaning current methods fail to reflect the true scale of female homelessness.
Need for Improved Data Collection
Researchers believe using information from local councils and monitoring a wider range of locations would provide a more accurate picture of women’s homelessness.
Domestic Abuse Linked to Female Homelessness
Support Services Failing Women
Rebecca Goshawk from Solace Women’s Aid said existing systems often fail to meet the needs of homeless women.
Domestic Abuse as a Leading Cause
According to charities, domestic abuse is one of the main reasons women become homeless, highlighting the need for targeted support services.
Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls
Campaigners say improving support for homeless women is essential to reducing violence against women and helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.
Government Response to Hidden Homelessness
Government Pledge to Reduce Rough Sleeping
The UK government has committed to reducing long-term rough sleeping in England during the current Parliament.
Charities Call for Policy Changes
Organizations behind the survey believe the government must properly count and recognize hidden homeless women to successfully reduce homelessness.
Updating the Definition of Rough Sleeping
Charities want the government to change the official definition of rough sleeping so that it includes women staying in hidden locations.
Investment in Homelessness Support
Alison McGovern said the government recognizes that homeless women face unique challenges and is working with local councils to provide suitable accommodation.
Funding to Tackle Homelessness
The government has also committed £3.6 billion toward efforts to reduce homelessness and improve support services across England.
