West Sussex homelessness charity says more needs to be done to end rough sleeping

A West Sussex homelessness charity has welcomed the government’s plan to end rough sleeping, but has warned that ongoing pressures could undermine its impact.

Stone Pillow says the announcement offers hope for people sleeping rough, but has raised concerns that the continued freeze on housing benefit and a lack of long-term, sustainable funding risk limiting any real progress.

Chief Executive Hilary Bartle said: 

"We face the same issues of increasing homelessness in our local area that are identified in the national plan. This is a vital step towards tackling the problem locally and nationally.  Stonepillow stands ready to work with local councils, health services, criminal justice partners, and the voluntary sector to deliver high-quality services that prevent  homelessness, help people to move on from the streets and enable them to rebuild their lives.”

"However, we are concerned that the continuing housing benefit freeze and lack of funding sustainability risk undermining the much-needed progress outlined in the plan. We will continue to advocate for systemic reforms that ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure home where they can thrive."

Britain's housing and homelessness crisis continues to increase, with at least 4,667 people sleeping rough on the streets of England on any given night. It is estimated that 16,294 single people are in hostels or other homeless accommodation. According to the Government, every day last year, 900 households, including almost 300 families with children, were made homeless or threatened with homelessness.

The comments come as Britain’s housing and homelessness crisis continues to worsen. At least 4,667 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on the streets of England on any given night, with more than 16,000 single people living in hostels or other homeless accommodation. Government figures show that every day last year, around 900 households – including almost 300 families with children – were made homeless or threatened with homelessness.

Stonepillow works across West Sussex, particularly in Arun and Chichester, supporting people to prevent homelessness and rebuild their lives when they experience it.

Last year, the charity supported 1,072 local people across its services. That included 725 people who accessed its day hubs in Chichester and Bognor Regis, while 632 people were recorded as sleeping rough.

“At the hubs you can get clean and warm, have food, and wash and dry your clothes,” Hilary Bartle explained. “Simple things that are out of reach, like charging a phone, using a computer, getting a haircut or seeing a doctor, are made possible. Beyond this immediate support, the hubs help people find dignity, safety, connection and hope that their future won’t be as bleak as their present.”

Stonepillow is now appealing for support to help keep its hubs open through the winter. The hubs cost around £381,000 a year to run and do not receive government funding.

The charity has launched a winter appeal, asking the community to help support people sleeping rough during the coldest months. As part of the campaign, a short film produced with Chichester-based company Feel Good Films tells the story of Floyd, not his real name, and his experience of facing winter alone before finding support through Stonepillow’s hubs.

The appeal runs throughout December and until 12 January 2026. More information, including the film, can be found at stonepillow.org.uk/donate.