World Homeless Day 2025: A Time for Action, Awareness and Compassion

At Julian House, World Homeless Day on 10th October is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a powerful reminder of why we exist.  

Every day across the South West of England, we work with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and the complex challenges that often come with it: mental health issues, trauma, addiction, domestic abuse, and long-term unemployment. 

And demand for our work is only increasing – rough sleeping, the most visible sign of homelessness, increased by 8% across the South West last year.  

Many of our accommodation services are oversubscribed, with our off-the-streets hostel in Bath operating at 113% capacity, with a waiting list, for the past year.  

Homelessness is not just the absence of a roof over your head. It’s the absence of safety, stability, dignity, and opportunity.  

On this global awareness day, we want to shine a light on the realities facing thousands of people in our communities - and the role we all have to play in creating lasting change. 

Julian House provides more than emergency accommodation. We offer outreach, accommodation and wraparound support, including specialist services for people leaving prison, fleeing domestic violence, or recovering from addiction.  

“In a broken system, we wear many hats – social worker, housing officer, mental health support - to be there for people in their moment of crisis.” 

Jim, Assertive Outreach Service Manager  

Every one of our services is designed not just to meet immediate needs, but to empower people to rebuild their lives for good. 

This World Homeless Day, we invite you to stand with us: to learn, to advocate, and to act.  

Whether it’s taking part in a fundraising event, starting a conversation about hidden homelessness, or donating to our 24-hour appeal to raise £10,000 on World Homeless Day (watch out for our email on the 10th October), your support helps us continue our vital work. 

Homelessness can happen to anyone. But together, we can make sure that it doesn’t define anyone. 

Let’s use World Homeless Day 2025 to inspire hope, compassion, and change – together.