Ahead of World Homeless Day on 10 October, Cambridge City Council reflects on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and reaffirms its commitment to preventing homelessness, supporting rough sleepers and helping residents secure safe and sustainable accommodation. 

Cambridge City Council and our partners provide a range of support available to people rough sleeping or at risk of losing their home, as demand for homelessness advice nationally continues to rise.   
   
Working alongside local charities, health services, housing providers, community groups and people with lived experience, we continue to take a partnership approach to preventing homelessness wherever possible and providing support for those who find themselves without a home. 

The Council and our partners provide advice, accommodation, food and practical support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes working with voluntary and community organisations to help people access accommodation and address issues that can contribute to homelessness.  

Innovation plays a vital role in addressing homelessness in a rapidly changing social and economic environment. Across Cambridge, the Council and our partners are increasingly adopting new approaches that move beyond crisis response and focus on prevention, early intervention and person-centred support. This includes using data and intelligence to identify people at risk of homelessness earlier, strengthening multi-agency information sharing through our Team around a Person service, and developing tailored support pathways that address the underlying causes of homelessness rather than simply its symptoms. 

The Council and our partners were one of the first councils in the country to trial modular homes, new pathways in drug and alcohol support through the Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme and helping to open a night time support hub for women facing homelessness. 

In the annual November street count in 2025, 23 people were identified as sleeping rough, one fewer than the previous year.  

Cambridge City Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities said:   

"World Homeless Day is an opportunity not only to raise awareness but also to challenge stigma and encourage understanding.  
 
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and we remain committed to working with our partners and communities to ensure that people experiencing homelessness receive the support, respect and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

“We urge anyone who thinks they might be at risk of becoming homeless for any reason to please get in touch. Further information on support available can be found via the council website"