As heatwaves intensify due to climate change, London's homeless population faces heightened risks, with limited access to water and cooling spaces.

Outreach workers report that rough sleepers, already vulnerable due to chronic health conditions and mobility issues, struggle to escape the extreme heat.Tom, a long-term homeless man, described the unbearable conditions, noting that even public transport becomes a sauna.Charities like Thames Reach and St Mungo’s are expanding welfare checks and providing emergency support, but systemic gaps remain.

The lack of a unified heat response plan across London boroughs exacerbates disparities, with some areas offering better access to cooling spaces than others.Experts warn that without sustainable solutions like Housing First and affordable housing, the crisis will persist.

The article highlights the intersection of climate change and homelessness, urging policymakers to prioritize long-term housing strategies over temporary fixes.