A new study carried out for youth homelessness charity, Depaul UK found 47 per cent of that age group worry they will end up on the streets and more than a third think they will never own a home of their own.
The new data comes as the charity reveals its emergency accommodation services are struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand as youth homelessness in the UK reaches breaking point.
More than 118,000 young people aged 16 to 24 turned to their local authorities for help because they are homeless or at risk of sleeping rough between April 2023 to March 2024*
The survey also found that almost two-thirds (62%) of 18-24s believe their generation has a tougher time finding stable, well-paid work than their parents did.
An estimated 7,718 people were sleeping rough across England in March 2025, and accommodation services for people experiencing homelessness have plummeted by almost half since 2008, even as rough sleeping figures continue to climb.
Depaul UK has launched an urgent appeal, ‘Turn Fear into Hope’, which is exposing the forces driving young people onto the streets or into unsafe places.
They include: family breakdown, the cost-of-living crisis, a severe shortage of affordable homes, vanishing supported accommodation, and refugees exiting Home Office accommodation without alternative support.
Vital funds raised from the appeal will help fund Nightstop, Depaul UK’s unique and rapid-response emergency accommodation service for young people before they end up sleeping rough, or within days of losing their home.
This early support aims to spare them the trauma of homelessness and protect them from the violence, exploitation, and harm that too often comes with life on the streets. Crucially, it buys precious time to resolve family breakdowns, secure housing, apply for benefits, or access mental health support.
Alan*, a biomedical student in London was full of hope and eager to continue his education when he was evicted and left homeless, with no access to support.
With nowhere else to turn, Alan found help through Nightstop, where he stayed with volunteer hosts over three months. Their kindness and generosity gave him the safety and stability he needed to continue his studies and successfully apply to a top London university.
Alan said:
“Nightstop wasn’t just a roof over my head, it was a lifeline which gave me a safe place to sleep, people who cared, and the chance to keep studying when everything else had fallen apart. I’ll never forget the kindness of the hosts who welcomed me into their homes and treated me with respect and dignity.”
Nicola Harwood, Executive Director of Operations at Depaul UK warns:
“The scale of youth homelessness in the UK is a national emergency, and behind every statistic is a young person who deserves the right to a safe place to call home, the opportunity to explore their potential, and contribute to their community.
Without intervention, young people fall through the cracks. We are calling on the public to help be part of the solution and end youth homelessness. Without your help we won’t be able to help every young person who turns to us this winter.”
How you can help
To donate or find out more about Depaul UK’s Winter Appeal, please visit: www.depaul.org.uk/turn-fear-into-hope-this-winter/.
*This year Depaul UK’s generous partners are doubling all donations up to and including 31 December, up to the value of £60,500.