London's rising homelessness problem is most visible on Tottenham Court Road, where a tent village springs up each night in front of furniture and lighting stores Habitat and Heal's. Dezeen speaks to two of the rough sleepers.
The first, Declan, is a builder and recovering drug addict. He lost his housing association flat a year ago. He recently had his false teeth stolen so has to eat through a straw, while one of his fingers was broken when a drunken youth stamped on his hand late one night.
"They came and stood on my hand and urinated on me," he said. "They ran off. They thought that was very funny."
"Most people are one pay cheque away from where I am," he added. "We're not all bad people. Just say hello. It's being recognised for the human beings we are. Because you walk by us and dismiss us." Former soldier Luke is one of the many people sleeping rough on Tottenham Court RoadThe second, Luke, is a former soldier who served in Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq but lost his home when his wife died of a brain haemorrhage. He has been homeless for 11 years. Last week he buried his companion, who died of hypothermia on Regent Street.
"I thought it would be better than this," said Luke.
He expects to spend Christmas in his tent. "Over Christmas I'll probably just… someone will walk by and give me a sandwich and a cup of tea hopefully!" he said. "I don't know."
Habitat and Heal's are a magnet for ...