As of 2018, it was estimated that 320,000 people were homeless in the United Kingdom, and around 4,677 were sleeping rough on the streets.  

 

In Oxford, according to the City Council, it was estimated in 2017 that there were almost one-hundred rough sleepers in Oxford - and these numbers are continuing to rise. Just in January, national media covered a spike in deaths amongst the homeless community in Oxford. In fact, a 24% increase in deaths amongst homeless people has been observed since 2013, with 597 people sleeping rough having died last year.

 

While homelessness continues to rise in the United Kingdom, and in our very own city, we know that the problem cannot be solved in a few simple steps. However, rough sleepers are significantly more likely to develop emotional and psychological difficulties as a result of their experiences on the streets. We know that books cannot solve the problem, but we hope that they will provide Oxford’s homeless with enjoyment and respite.

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We also hope that, through actively collecting books from Oxford colleges, we will remind the students of the very present issue of homelessness in their city, and want our work to increase discussion on the ways in which we can solve the crisis.