Shrewsbury charity: 'we need to work together' or continue to 'fail the homeless'
Homeless deaths rose by 9% last year in the UK
Last updated 8th Oct 2025
A Shrewsbury charity is calling for people to work together, or continue 'to fail the homeless' as homeless deaths are on the rise in the UK.
Deaths among homeless people in the UK have risen by 9% in a year and included 11 children, according to a group monitoring the issue.
Homeless deaths in the West Midlands...
55 of those deaths were in the West Midlands, according to The Museum of Homelessness.
The group said its research suggested at least 1,611 deaths in 2024 of people experiencing homelessness.
This was up from 1,474 deaths in 2023 and 1,313 deaths in 2022.
'Cancer and other dangerous illnesses'
Kim Tunbridge is from the Shrewsbury Ark and told us the dangers that come with sleeping rough:
"It is obviously more dangerous sleeping on the streets and it is colder.
"We have an NHS doctor who comes once a week. She has been able to identify cancer and other really dangerous illnesses in homeless people," she said.
'Double figures'
She told us we need to work together to tackle the problem: "We are doing things that a lot of others are not doing, like working with our local council.
"When it is really cold, the council funds winter provisions so people can sleep inside our building.
"In our records of deaths, in the last two years we have had one person who has passed away living on the streets. In previous years that number was in double figures," she said.
'Deeply failed'
Project director, Matthew Turtle, said their data "shows how homeless people continue to be deeply failed".
He added: "We are calling for urgent action from the Government to alleviate this crisis."
Gill Taylor, also from the project, said: "With heavy hearts, we report the deaths of 1,611 people who died whilst homeless in 2024.
'Enormous loss of life'
"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."
Minster for Homelessness, Alison McGovern said:
“These figures are heartbreaking. Every loss of a life, especially the death of a child is an abject failure that cannot be tolerated.
“We simply cannot accept this as normal. Every person deserves a safe place to call home, which is why we are accelerating efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness, expanding access to safe accommodation whilst also strengthening support services.”