SHP Staff, clients and supporters all came together to mark World Homeless Day by joining in the charity’s #HomelessnessIs campaign. 

#HomelessnessIs aimed to raise awareness of homelessness in all its forms. There is a widespread perception that homelessness means only sleeping rough on the streets but, in reality, the majority of homeless people are "hidden homeless", sleeping on friends' floors and sofas, in bed and breakfasts or in supported accommodation like hostels. Some participants also took the opportunity to talk about how nobody should be homeless in 2016, and how homelessness is not a failing of the individual. 

Everyone who got involved helped to highlight the disparity between public perception and reality, breaking down myths and misconceptions about homelessness. Campaigners also shone a light on the many causes of homelessness from mental health problems and family breakdown to lack of support provision and housing. 

Some SHP clients also took the opportunity to share their own stories and to explain how our services have helped them. Sharon, from one of supported housing projects in Wandsworth, said "if it wasn't for SHP, I would be homeless".