3500

Over 3500 people slept rough in London last year

42

The life expectancy of a long-term rough sleeper is only 42 years, compared to 79 years for the average UK citizen

35

A homeless rough sleeper is 35 times more likely to commit suicide than the average person in the UK

20

20% of London's homeless are Central/Eastern European and Eritreans

REAL LIFE STORIES

Jorge and Mikhael are Europeans who came to London to work. For a time, they had a job and could pay their rent but when the work disappeared in the recession, they lost their homes as well.

Without an address, it is almost impossible to get work. Jorge and Mikhael found themselves stranded with no way to raise the money to get home. They were provided with an AUOS sleeping bag while seeking help to resolve their issues.

Peter is an alcoholic and is trying to stay clean. He once had a home and a good job but when his dad died, he was devastated and turned to drink for consolation.

He is unwilling to go on the 'system' and claim benefits because he knows that he will drink the money away. This means he cannot be housed through the usual channels, so he finds temporary work and accommodation when he can.

AUOS is supporting his efforts to turn his life around.

Our AIM

To provide every homeless person with a military-style, all-weather sleeping bag, capable of keeping them warm whatever the conditions may be.

However, the sleeping bag is just the start, we also aim to build loving relationships with the homeless and helpless, to meet not just the physical but also their spiritual needs, to show them God's love and to treat them with respect and dignity. This means talking to them, listening to them, comforting them, praying with them and providing for them in a variety of ways.