Hidden homelessness

This includes people who become homeless but find a temporary solution by staying with family members or friends, living in squats or other insecure accommodation.

Research by the charity Crisis indicates that about 62% of single homeless people are hidden and may not show up in official figures.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults we commissioned in December 2013, found that 32% of people have experienced homelessness (including sofa surfing and staying with friends) or know someone who has experienced homelessness. 14% had experienced it themselves, 20% knew someone else who had experienced it, 2% said they had both experienced it and knew others who had.