New life in Christ for Sally, one of London’s many homeless

New data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) shows a sharp rise in street homelessness in London.

There were 3,028 people living on the streets between April 2024 and March 2025 – a 27% increase from the previous year and a 90% rise over the past decade.

In total, 13,231 people were forced to sleep rough during this period, including 8,396 first-time rough sleepers.

Graham Miller, CEO of London City Mission (LCM), said: “The continued increase in the number of people living on the streets in London is deeply concerning. These are people made in the image of God. They have a worth that is independent of their circumstances, and it is a tragedy to see them pushed to the margins of our communities – often abused or ignored.

“At our Webber Street Centre, we aim to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of our guests, as well as their physical needs, to help restore dignity that life on the streets has taken from them and empower them to take steps out of homelessness.”

Sally doesn’t know where she’d be today, had it not been for LCM’s Webber Street Centre. After sleeping rough for more than 20 years, Sally arrived at Webber Street, carrying the weight of abandonment, addiction and trauma. There she found warmth, welcome, and a place where she felt seen and valued – especially at Christmas.

“They had a Christmas tree. I hadn’t seen one in years. And nice food and stuff. It was just a happy atmosphere, you know?” she says. Sally began attending regularly, and during a dinner hosted by Grace London church, a simple act of kindness changed everything. A volunteer discovered they shared a birthday and later returned with a card and gift. Sally, overwhelmed that someone remembered her, burst into tears.

That moment marked a turning point. Sally accepted an invitation to church, began listening more intently to the gospel, and after a close friend’s health scare, committed her life to Jesus.

Today, she’s been sober for more than 18 months, has her own home, and is surrounded by a supportive church community.

“I’m so grateful to Jesus. He gave up His life for me. He’s a loving God…”, she said.

LCM has launched its Christmas appeal. Donations made before 24 December will be matched; visit www.lcm.org.uk/sallystory