Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have seen a sharp rise in people sleeping rough over the past three years.
Growing pressure within local homelessness services has risen as a result.
On a single night in May 2025, 108 people were estimated to be sleeping rough in BCP- the highest figure recorded since 2010 and doubles that of May 2022.
Seasonal variations are evident with numbers peaking in the summer months.
This reflects the county’s role as a popular holiday destination, where temporary accommodation is limited.
Lisa Everett, Director of Hope Housing, believes the shortage of temporary housing is one of the biggest challenges.
She said: “We get a lot of people who are ready to move on, but it’s the lack of properties or landlords who are willing to take them that’s the issue”
Nationally, over 80,000 families are currently living in temporary accommodation.
In BCP, Emergency bed use is also high, with 500 recorded in 2024/25 compared to 497 the previous year.
The Greater Change found that 52% of children have missed days at school due to growing up in temporary housing.
Similarly, a Centre for Homelessness report revealed 13% of homeless have learning disabilities, compared to 2% in the general population.
Everett commented: “Our society doesn’t cater for learning disabilities, once they leave special education at 18, there’s nothing for them”
She added: “They slip right through the net and end up on the street”
Annual statistics suggest that since Covid, rates of homelessness in BCP have risen, from an average of 25 people in 2020, to 63 in 2025.
Men remain the predominant group affected, with 50 male rough sleepers recorded in 2024 compared to five women.
Everett said, Hope Housings numbers reflect this: “We are predominantly male, with about 11 women out of 92 men”
This data underlines the urgent need for long-term investment in affordable housing and support to ensure rough sleepers in BCP are offered safety and stability.
Bournemouth nature charity offers free activities for families