Methods and data

This page explains how the data in the Atlas was collected, which services are included, and how rough sleeping figures are presented. The Atlas focuses on services for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of rough sleeping. It also includes accommodation and homelessness services for young people aged 16 to 25.

The Atlas can support early analysis of needs and gaps, help identify opportunities for partnership, and demonstrate local investment in tackling rough sleeping.

For more on the purpose of the Atlas and who it's for, see the homepage.

How data is collected

Each year, Homeless Link carries out a full data collection process to ensure the Atlas reflects the most current and complete picture of services in London. This includes:

  • A survey of local authorities and homelessness organisations
  • Requests for providers to review and confirm information
  • Supplementary research using publicly available sources when responses are incomplete or unavailable

The Atlas is refreshed annually following a full round of data collection which happens from October to December. However, if you spot something that's incorrect or out of date, we welcome updates at any time. Please contact us to let us know.

What is included

The Atlas includes services that:

  • Work with people sleeping rough or at risk of rough sleeping
  • Primarily support those without dependent children
  • Operate in partnership with local authorities (though not all are formally commissioned)

New in this edition

The Atlas also includes young people's homelessness services, covering a broader group aged 16 to 25. This includes supported accommodation for care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and other young people experiencing homelessness.

Inclusion criteria

To maintain consistency and focus, the following criteria guide what is included:

  • Services must support individuals or households without dependent children, or young people aged 16-25
  • Services must operate in London and address homelessness or the risk of homelessness
  • Most work in partnership with or are commissioned by local authorities

If you're looking for a service for yourself or someone else, we recommend starting with the Local Services map or Housing Options map. Always contact services directly before visiting. Inclusion in the Atlas does not constitute endorsement by LHF or Homeless Link.

Rough sleeping figures

MHCLG rough sleeping counts and estimates

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) publishes annual rough sleeping figures based on a snapshot taken on a single night between 1 October and 30 November. In London, most boroughs carry out a physical street count in November to reduce the risk of double-counting. These counts are useful for tracking trends but have known limitations. Some rough sleepers may not be visible, and weather conditions or local knowledge can affect accuracy.

CHAIN data

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) is a multi-agency database used by outreach teams across London to record interactions with people sleeping rough. CHAIN is regarded as the most detailed and consistent dataset available and is managed by Homeless Link on behalf of the Greater London Authority.

CHAIN data is updated throughout the year and includes more than just rough sleeping information. The data presented in the Atlas is drawn from published GLA reports.

As with all data on rough sleeping, there are limits and some people remain hidden or choose not to disclose where they sleep.

Service types and data sources

The Atlas includes data on a range of service types, such as:

  • Assessment services
  • Emergency and supported accommodation
  • Day centres and drop-in services
  • Night shelters and Winter shelters
  • Health services for people experiencing homelessness
  • Housing First services

Data was drawn from several key sources:

  • The Homeless England directory maintained by Homeless Link
  • Survey responses from local authorities and service providers
  • Information from partner organisations, including:
    • Housing Justice (on Winter Shelter bed spaces)
    • St Mungo's (on Clearing House units)
    • King's College London HEARTH study (on health services)

All service types are reviewed and updated annually.

Data quality and limitations

Most local authorities and providers responded to the data collection request. Where responses were missing or incomplete, public information was used to fill the gaps.

Despite best efforts, there may still be omissions or inaccuracies. We welcome updates at any time. Please contact us if you have information to share.

Glossary and definitions

For definitions of key terms and service types used in the Atlas, see the Glossary.