UK deaths of 1,611 homeless people in 2024 is record high

UK deaths of 1,611 homeless people in 2024 is record high

The UK saw a tragic increase in the number of homeless deaths last year, hitting a new record, with 1,611 individuals losing their lives in 2024. The Museum of Homelessness, responsible for compiling this data, highlighted that this figure was 9% higher than the previous year. Suicide and drug-related deaths were predominant, with substances like spice and nitazines proving to be increasingly lethal. Matthew Turtle, the museum’s director, expressed how these deaths exemplified the ongoing failure to support homeless individuals adequately.

Alison McGovern, the Homelessness Minister, expressed her heartbreak over the distressing statistics and assured that the government was intensifying its efforts to address the root causes of homelessness. The information gathered by the Museum of Homelessness involved data from coroner’s offices, media reports, family accounts, and Freedom of Information requests. Anthony Marks, a 51-year-old man, tragically lost his life after being assaulted while taking refuge in a bin shed near London’s King’s Cross station in August 2024. Two weeks post-assault, he suffered a seizure and eventually passed away, leading to charges against four individuals linked to his death.

Tim Renshaw, the CEO of the Archer Project, a homeless charity in Sheffield, pointed out the flaws in the housing system, contributing to the high mortality rate among homeless populations. 2024 witnessed the unfortunate deaths of three homeless women in Sheffield within a short span of 10 days, emphasizing the dire situation facing these vulnerable individuals. The concerning statistics revealed that three-quarters of the homeless deaths were men, with two-thirds of the deceased residing in temporary or supported accommodations, further highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to combat homelessness effectively

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