As London endures its third heatwave of the year, concerns have grown over the well-being of the city’s homeless population coping with soaring temperatures. Outreach workers and charities warn that the combination of intense heat and urban infrastructure presents significant risks for those living on the streets.

Tom, a man in his 60s who has been homeless for several years, described the experience as physically draining. “It’s like being in a hot country,” he said. “I keep to my routines, but you need to find somewhere to sit down and rest.” He added that finding relief from the heat is a constant challenge when living outdoors.

Josie Ashdown, lead manager at the homelessness charity Thames Reach, emphasized the exacerbating effect of the urban environment. “The city is not built for heat,” she said. “The concrete makes it hotter here than probably anywhere else in the country at points.” Many rough sleepers also face chronic health issues, complicating their ability to withstand extreme conditions. Medications, such as insulin, require careful storage, which is difficult to manage outside.

Tom, who has mobility issues and health conditions, noted the strain of heat on his body. “The bus is like a sauna even compared to outside,” he said. He has had to switch to lighter legwear because of swelling aggravated by the temperature. The difficulty of carrying all belongings, including winter clothes that cannot be safely stored, adds to the burden. Anneke Ziemen, a Thames Reach service manager, recounted a man wearing cold-weather clothing during the heatwave, explaining he needs them for the winter and fears theft.

In response to rising temperatures, London Mayor Sadiq Khan introduced the Heat Ready London plan aimed at safeguarding vulnerable residents. Measures include expanding access to cooling spaces and free drinking water. However, unlike protocols for severe cold, plans to address heat are less uniform; there is no single temperature threshold triggering mandatory citywide action. Instead, borough councils and outreach teams apply Greater London Authority guidance based on local capacity.

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office stressed a collaborative approach involving councils, community groups, health services, and outreach providers to ensure support reaches those most at risk. Nonetheless, some homeless individuals are reluctant to utilize designated cooling centers. Tom said he has not heard much about these “cool places” and avoids them, citing potential conflicts with others.

Stigma remains a barrier to accessing relief. Outreach coordinator Leggat noted that people sleeping rough may face exclusion from public spaces offering respite due to having pets, carrying large bags, or their appearance reflecting lack of access to hygiene facilities.

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, highlighted Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent pledge to end rough sleeping as a move toward sustained solutions. Burnham’s approach, Downie said, shifts focus from costly short-term fixes to a "housing first" model, prioritizing permanent accommodation.

Meanwhile, authorities urge the public to remain alert and encourage the use of platforms like StreetLink to connect vulnerable individuals with support services. For those like Tom, the daily experience includes not just physical hardship but social isolation and stigma. Yet even amid the challenges, he has encountered moments of kindness from strangers offering assistance during the prolonged heat.