Homelessness in London has increased since 2010/2011 with doubled figures in 2016/2017. The borough of Islington has one of the worst homelessness acceptance in the City of London, meaning that only 32% of homeless people are considered the “priority” in terms of emergency or long-term housing.
Organizations such as St. Mary Magdalene Church, Holloway Road, provide shelter to the homeless during the coldest months of the year.
“We are associated with the Pillion Trust and we mostly provide shelter for young homeless people between 18-23 years old,” said Sarah McDonald, 28, associated pastor.
St. Mary Magdalene Church is not only a shelter but provides supper, entertainment and morning breakfast, “We tend to have at least 15-18 people per night between December and March, we hope to give shelter even to more people,” said the associated pastor.
It is estimated that 8,100 people experience homelessness or “rough sleep”, especially in the City of Westminster.
It’s usually not a choice and sometimes it’s the only solution: 150,000 young people ask for help from their local council or borough. The main causes are related to family problems such as family breakdowns, complex needs such as mental health issues and deprivation.
Poverty is, in fact, as reported by Trust for London, one of the greatest problems in Islington counting one-third of the total population (highest in London), 33 % of Islington residents are poor and the borough has one of the worst income inequality gaps in London.