Sleeping rough or street homeless
What to do if you think someone is experiencing street homelessness and information on local charities.
Refer someone to StreetLink
If you see someone who you think is experiencing street homelessness, please inform our local Outreach Service via StreetLink.
How StreetLink helps
StreetLink can be used by anyone in England and Wales to send an alert about someone over 18 who is sleeping rough or preparing to sleep rough.
Please don't make an alert if the person is begging or engaging in anti-social behaviour, unless you believe they are rough sleeping in that location.
When you submit an alert:
- The details go to local outreach teams in the area
- These teams (mostly working at night) try to locate the person, assess their needs, and offer support
- The goal is to help people access the right services and move away from homelessness
StreetLink itself doesn't provide accommodation or go out to search for individuals. Instead it connects members of the public with local outreach teams who can help.
SPEAR
SPEAR’s outreach teams work to connect rough sleepers with housing and support services. SPEAR provides:
- Rough sleeper outreach: Teams actively seek out people sleeping rough, building trust and offering immediate assistance
- Accommodation: Tailored accommodation to help people rough sleeping off the streets
- Support services: A range of support services, including help with finding employment, accessing healthcare, and addressing mental health and addiction issues
Visit the SPEAR website.
Local charities
Details of local charities that help with street homelessness.
Ace of Clubs
- Days: Monday to Friday
- Time: 12 to 2.15pm
- Address: St Alphonsus Road, SW4 7AS
- Cost: £1 entry
- Services: Food, support workers, showers and laundry (showers and laundry to be booked in advance)
Spires
Streatham:
- Days: Mondays
- Time: 9 to 11.30am
- Address: St Nicholas Church, SW17 9PP
- Services: Food, clothing and support workers
- Website: https://www.spires.org.uk/
Tooting:
- Days: Thursdays
- Time: 9 to 11.30am
- Address: 8 Tooting Bec Gardens, SW16 1RB
- Services: Food, clothing and support workers
- Website: https://www.spires.org.uk/
Southcroft Church
- Days: Thursdays
- Time: 11am to 1pm
- Address: 276 Mitcham Lane, SW16 6NU
- Services: Food and nurse
- Website: https://www.southcroft.org/community
Faith in Action
- Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
- Time: 10am to 2.30pm
- Address: Salvation Army Hall, 109 Kingston Road SW19 1LT
- Services: Food and Nurse
- Website: https://www.mertonfaithinaction.org/
Trinity Church
- Days: Mondays
- Time: 2 to 4pm
- Address: Holy Trinity Church, 74 Trinity Road, SW17 7RH
- Services: Snacks, drinks and advice
- Website: Helping in the community - Holy Trinity Upper Tooting
Tooting Community Kitchen
Church Lane, Tooting:
- Days: Wednesdays
- Time: 1 to 3pm
- Address: Scouts Hall, 19 Church lane, Tooting, SW17 9PP
- Services: Hot meal, hot drinks, games and wellbeing
Upper Tooting Road:
- Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Time: 6 to 6.30pm
- Address: 145 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TJ (Outside Islamic Centre)
- Services: Hot food and food donations
Food bank:
- Days: Fridays
- Time: 8 to 10am
- Address: Scouts Hall, 19 Church Lane, Tooting, SW17 9PP
Clapham:
- Days: Saturdays
- Time: 8 to 9pm
- Address: Venn Street, Clapham
- Services: Hot food and food parcels
Domestic violence and women's advice
If you’d like to speak to someone face‑to‑face, our One Stop Shop is a free, confidential drop-in service. You don’t need an appointment.