Back to School, Back to the Reality of Child Homelessness in London

The start of a new school year is a familiar sight across London. Backpacks are packed, new shoes are on, and the city hums with the energy of students returning to the classroom. For most, the journey to school is from a stable, familiar home.

But for far too many children in our capital, the "school run" is a long, wearying bus or tube ride from a cramped hotel or a temporary flat in a different borough. The "home" they return to has no space for them to do their homework, and their future is as uncertain as their housing.

This back-to-school season is a powerful reminder of London's hidden crisis: the shocking reality of child poverty and homelessness. At Elliot Leigh, we believe in a better way, and we're dedicated to being part of the solution.

London's Hidden Homeless Crisis

London is at the epicentre of the UK's housing emergency. The latest figures paint a devastating picture:

• Nearly 90,000 children in London are homeless and living in temporary accommodation.

• This means that on average, one in every 21 children in the capital is homeless, which is equivalent to at least one homeless child in every London classroom.

• The number of households in temporary accommodation in London has hit a record high, with over 70,000 households now living in emergency housing.

This isn't just a number—it’s a profound disruption to a child's life. Many families are placed in temporary housing far from their home borough, forcing children to change schools, lose their friends, and face exhausting commutes. The lack of a stable home environment can lead to poor health, anxiety, and a child’s inability to concentrate and learn.

Our Part in the Solution: The Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent Scheme

This crisis is too big to be solved by the public sector alone. It requires proactive, innovative solutions from all sides, and that’s where Elliot Leigh steps in.

Our Guaranteed Rent Scheme provides a vital, practical solution to this crisis. We work as a bridge between landlords and families in need of a stable home. Here’s how it works:

1. For Landlords: We offer a fixed, monthly rental income for your property, providing you with financial stability and complete peace of mind, regardless of whether the property is occupied or not. We also manage the property, so you never have to worry about tenants, rent collection, or maintenance.

2. For Families: We provide a stable, safe, and secure home for families who would otherwise be stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation. The properties we manage are well-maintained and offer the stability needed for a child to thrive.

Every property we lease means one more family has a roof over their heads and is out of a hotel, hostel, or other unsuitable properties. We are proud to be turning empty houses into safe homes.

The Next Generation: Elliot Leigh TLC

Our commitment to ending homelessness extends beyond families. Through our supported living division, Elliot Leigh TLC, we are tackling the crisis for the most vulnerable young people.

Elliot Leigh TLC works to provide a nurturing and secure environment for young people aged 16 to 25 who are transitioning out of the care system. We offer semi-independent accommodation and a dedicated support network to help them at a crucial stage of their lives. A stable home is the foundation for a successful future, and we are working with local authorities to ensure these young people have the support they need to build their independence and pursue their education and career goals.

You Can Make a Difference

This back-to-school season, we encourage you to support the incredible charities on the front lines, who provide vital, hands-on help to those in crisis. They are a lifeline for countless children and families who have nowhere else to turn.

• The Childhood Trust works to alleviate the daily impact of poverty on London's children, funding essential projects and community support.

• The Magpie Project works directly with mothers and children under five in temporary accommodation in Newham, providing a safe space to play and offering vital support.

• CARIS Families is a London-based charity that focuses on minimising the negative impacts of temporary accommodation on children, running play sessions and providing casework to help families find permanent housing.

• Family Action has been supporting families for over 150 years, offering a range of services from emotional support to practical help and access to food clubs for those struggling with financial hardship.

By supporting these charities, you are helping to create a city where every child has the chance to thrive.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort for a Better Future

At Elliot Leigh, our goal is simple: to make a difference, one home at a time. We urge landlords to consider partnering with us to turn their properties into a force for good. By working together, we can provide a solution that is beneficial for property owners and life-changing for families in need.

We believe that every child in London deserves a safe and stable home from which to go to school. Let's work together to make that a reality.