New report reveals gaps in homelessness support services

Research from The Housing Network shows consistent support is essential to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for people with complex needs.

Homelessness in the UK has worsened throughout 2025, with Shelter estimating over 382,000 people were homeless in England on a single night. Services now need to find better ways to support those affected. 

The Housing Network, a specialist organisation founded in 2014, has published its Social and Environmental Impact Report for 2025/26. The review highlights the importance of consistent support for preventing homelessness and helping people get back on their feet.

To create the report, the organisation reflected on its work supporting people at risk of homelessness, including those leaving prison, and considered its wider social and environmental responsibilities as a housing provider. 

Growing pressure on homelessness services was a key focus. Last year, nearly 17,000 residents were provided with safe accommodation, underlying the scale of demand for services.

‘Homelessness isn’t as a result of a lack of effort from services, but by a system that off often expects people to stabilise without giving them the right foundations to do so,’ Gary Teper, managing director at The Housing Network, said.

‘This report reflects what we see every day. When people have access to safe accommodation and consistent support, outcomes improve.’

The report shows 71% of residents actively engage with support services, demonstrating housing can be a foundation for recovery rather than a short-term solution. 

Other key recommendations from the report include:

• Housing stability is a critical foundation for preventing repeat homelessness
• People with complex needs benefit most from accommodation and support that can adapt as their circumstances change 
• Joined-up working between housing providers, probation services and councils improves stability and outcomes
• Short term accommodation alone is not sufficient for everyone, and some people require more structured and intensive support pathways 

‘If we are serious about ending homelessness, services must be designed around people’s needs, not around short-term convenience or cost,’ Teper added.

The full report can be accessed here.

Image: Shutterstock

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