An evaluation of the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) programme was undertaken by the Centre for Housing Policy, at the University of York, during the Autumn of 2004 and the Spring of 2005. The evaluation involved a critical review and analysis of existing research and statistical evidence, interviews with local authority officers responsible for RSI, national level interviews with individuals responsible for the development and delivery of RSI and interviews with a sample of service providers as well as former, current and potential rough sleepers. The evaluation found statistical and qualitative evidence that the RSI programme had successfully produced tangible reductions in the need to sleep rough across the country.