The number of people dying on our streets has reached record levels
Shockingly, deaths in the South East have risen 27% in a year
Nobody should be dying on our streets. These figures represent a profound tragedy and our hearts go out to everyone who has lost their life.
The new Museum of Homelessness report shows that 146 people died in the South East in 2023 - rising to 186 people in 2024. That's a 27% increase in lives lost. These are shocking statistics and each one represents a person whose life ended far too soon.
The reality is stark: in the UK, the average age of death for people living on the streets is just 42 for women and 46 for men. This is an uncomfortable truth, but one that cannot be ignored. Porchlight is working tirelessly to keep people safe. We're currently trying to raise funds for emergency beds and life-saving support services for those sleeping rough this winter.
We remain incredibly grateful to the public for their continued support, which helps prevent more deaths. But to end tragedies like this for good, we must tackle the root causes of homelessness. That means working together to prevent people from ever being in a position where their lives are in danger.