New figures from the London Combined Homelessness and Information Network revealed the number of people deemed to be ‘living on the streets’ between July and September this year was 425 – up from 395 in April to June. It is the highest figure since October to December 2019. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has responded with three new funding packages for councils and community groups.

London City Mission primarily serves the homeless from its Webber Street Day Centre, close to Waterloo Station. The centre has been operating since 1962, giving out 10,000 breakfasts and 2,000 showers to its guests each year, as well as providing food and other urgent support including access to medical care.

Its CEO Graham Miller said: “The statistics around homelessness are alarming and it’s tragic that the numbers of people living on the streets in London is increasing. At London City Mission and in particularly our Webber Street Day Centre, we aim to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of guests, as well as the physical ones, to help restore dignity that life on the streets has taken from them.

“Webber Street is a place where men and women can experience God’s love through the patient care of dedicated staff and where those with addiction issues can feel safe and secure. We consider it a privilege to carry the amazing news of Christ’s love to those who need it the most.”

The charity said the average life expectancy for the long-term homeless is only 44 years.