Hidden Homeless Women Are Being Missed by Official Counts, Charities Warn

Hidden homeless women are being missed – For years, Victoria lived on London’s streets without being recognized as homeless. “When people saw me, they didn’t believe I was sleeping rough,” she explains. Unlike traditional rough sleepers, she didn’t appear destitute or exhibit signs of substance abuse. “It was tough for others to accept I was actually without a home,” she adds. Her experience highlights a growing issue: many women who experience homelessness remain invisible to official statistics, according to new findings by two charities.

A Broader Picture of Homelessness

The census, conducted by Solace Women’s Aid and the Single Homeless Project, reveals that 1,406 women had slept rough in the three months prior to its completion. When compared to government data for a single night in autumn 2025, the figure was significantly higher—ten times the recorded number. This discrepancy underscores how current counting methods may miss the realities of women’s homelessness, particularly those who avoid public spaces.

“Women can be really tucked away in parks, behind the bushes,” says Eabha, an outreach worker who patrols King’s Cross and nearby neighborhoods. “They might even be on night buses or trains, waiting for the next opportunity to rest.”

Elise, another worker, echoes this sentiment. “They’re not always where you expect them to be,” she notes. “Sometimes, they’re just sitting in A&E waiting rooms, hoping not to be noticed.” These women often blend into crowds, using their appearance to mask their situation. King’s Cross, with its bustling environment and security cameras, became a refuge for Victoria. “The constant presence of staff and police gave me a sense of safety,” she says. Yet, the station’s theft risks made it difficult to find rest. “I wasn’t sleeping because I had so much luggage,” she explains. “Thieves targeted me there.”

Systemic Gaps in Counting Rough Sleepers

The census, which spanned a week in September 2025, collaborated with 33 London boroughs and 68 additional local authorities across England. This partnership allowed researchers to identify women in places like parks, train stations, and even hospital waiting areas. The results showed that nearly two-thirds of the women surveyed would not have been included in the government’s standard count, which focuses on those sleeping on the streets or in non-habitable buildings on a single night.

“Rough sleeping is often defined by immediate visibility,” says Lucy Campbell from the Single Homeless Project. “But for women, the experience is more complex. You’re far less likely to be discovered if you’re not in the spotlight, and that’s how you get into services.”

Victoria’s story is not unique. Many women face barriers that make them harder to spot, such as avoiding shelters or staying in places where they can pass as regular visitors. “The minute a man knows you’re homeless, it’s like they’re ready to take advantage,” Victoria recalls. “I had people vomit or urinate next to me. It was humiliating.”

Rebecca Goshawk of Solace Women’s Aid emphasizes that domestic abuse is the leading cause of women’s homelessness. “Without accurate data, the government can’t address the root causes,” she argues. “If they don’t know the full scale of the problem, their promises to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade won’t be fulfilled.”

Revising Definitions for Better Outcomes

The charities stress that the current definition of rough sleeping excludes many women who experience homelessness in less obvious ways. “Our census includes a wider range of locations—parks, transit hubs, even temporary shelters—where women might sleep without being counted,” says Goshawk. This broader approach captures the hidden nature of female homelessness, which often involves navigating multiple stressors like mental health, safety, and stigma.

Victoria’s situation, driven by mental health challenges, exemplifies this hidden struggle. “Being on the streets made my problems worse,” she says. “I couldn’t find a place to rest, and the constant fear of being discovered left me isolated.” Such experiences suggest that women’s needs are not being met by existing systems. “The support available is tailored for men, not women,” Campbell points out. “That’s why so many are slipping through the cracks.”

“We’ve repeatedly stated that services don’t align with women’s experiences,” Campbell adds. “The system is designed for a different kind of homelessness, and that’s why we’re seeing these numbers.”

The government has committed to reducing long-term rough sleeping in England by the end of the parliamentary term. But officials acknowledge the need to refine their methods. Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern told the BBC: “No one should have to endure rough sleeping, and women’s experiences are distinct. They require tailored solutions.” She highlights the £3.6 billion investment aimed at ending homelessness for good, emphasizing collaboration with local councils to provide suitable accommodations.

Despite these efforts, the charities argue that without a more inclusive definition of rough sleeping, progress will be limited. “The current snapshot only captures a moment in time,” Goshawk explains. “But women’s homelessness is often a longer journey, with multiple stops and hidden struggles.” The census findings, she says, are a call to action for policymakers to recognize the complexity of women’s situations.

Implications for Policy and Support

As the survey highlights, the problem extends beyond visible homelessness. Women who sleep in hospitals, parks, or night transport are often overlooked, leading to a gap in support. “This means they don’t get the help they need,” says Campbell. “They’re not just surviving—they’re waiting for someone to notice them.”

“Domestic abuse is the primary cause of women’s rough sleeping,” Goshawk states. “Without targeted support, the government’s goal to halve violence against women and girls will remain out of reach.”

The data also reveals that some areas have no official records of female rough sleepers, yet the census found 162 women in six local authority regions where the government’s count was zero. This suggests that existing systems are failing to identify vulnerable populations. “The census is a snapshot of how invisible women can be,” Campbell says. “It’s not just about numbers—it’s about understanding the conditions they face.”

With over 68 local authorities involved, the study provides a more comprehensive view of homelessness. But the charities urge decision-makers to act swiftly. “If the government doesn’t adjust its methods, it won’t meet its commitments,” McGovern acknowledges. “We’re working closely with councils to ensure women receive the support they need.”

As the autumn 2025 snapshot approaches, the debate over accurate counting continues. The charities argue that a more nuanced definition—one that accounts for women’s unique challenges—will help close the gap between official data and the true scale of the issue. For Victoria, who still navigates the streets with a mix of resilience and secrecy, the hope is that these changes will bring her closer to stability. “I want to be seen,” she says. “I want to be counted.”