Homelessness charity to expand services

A homelessness charity is planning to offer accomodation for more people.

Emmaus Sheffield, which provides adults with employment training as well as somewhere to stay, said it would increase provision from 18 spaces to 25.

Rough sleeping has actually fallen by 34% in Sheffield in the past year, but 38 rough sleepers were still identified during a government study in the October and November period in 2025.

Emmaus chair of trustees Carl Dray said: "While the positive direction in Sheffield is welcomed, this is not a time to rest on our laurels but rather to double down and keep pressing on."

He said the actual number of people who were homeless could be higher due to people who are "hidden homeless" - such as those staying with family and friends or in temporary accommodation.

He added that although rough sleeping was falling in Sheffield, it was rising amongst certain demographics - such as refugees.

Nationally, an estimated 4,793 people were estimated to be sleeping rough on a single autumn night - a record high and the fourth annual increase in a row.

There has been a five-fold increase in the number of refugee households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the last four years, the BBC has found.

Data has also revealed the number of people leaving prison with no home to go to has risen by almost 70% in the past year.

Emmaus Sheffield provides employment to its residents, known as companions, at its retail store in the city, based in the former Sipelia Works cutlery factory.

It has also just opened a new stall at the Kelham Flea Market.

Individuals must be drug-free to receive support from the charity, which also offers counselling to those with mental health needs.

Dray said it provided "real-life work experience and a place where people feel supported through true companionship with others who have a shared experience".

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