Homelessness is a humanitarian and moral matter! Let's make sure NOBODY IS LEFT BEHIND
Things have been tough for everyone lately, yet despite the fact that Britain’s economy is now the fifth largest in the world (cebr, 2021), homelessness in the UK has continued to rise. In 2019, homeless charity Shelter estimated that the number of people affected by homelessness to be around 280,000 in England alone. What the pandemic has highlighted is the urgent need to address the rising rates of homelessness within the UK. There are many different forms of homelessness, some being more visible than others, which makes it almost impossible to quantify the true number. With almost 3 million people in England being one pay cheque away from being homeless, it could happen to anyone. Still, nearly all cases of homelessness are preventable, and in every case, it can be stopped. Rising homelessness is the direct result of failed policies, and its time something was done to finally stop this epidemic! We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and together we can once and for all end homelessness - nobody should be left behind.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about homelessness is rough sleepers. Whom are typically associated with those sleeping outside - usually in carparks or shop doorways, and find themselves exposed to the elements each day and night. Rough sleeping is incredibly difficult to quantify, but research conducted by the homeless charity Crisis (Crisis.org) highlighted the shocking statistic that 778 people died while sleeping rough during 2019. Crisis stated that an estimated 4,500 people are sleeping rough on the streets on any one night in the UK - a number which has inevitably risen as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. As well as being exposed to the elements, which can be especially harsh during the cold winter months, rough sleepers are exposed to a number of other risks. One of the most serious risks they face is exploitation and intimidation. People who are sleeping rough are 17% more likely to be victims of physical violence, and 1 in 4 women who sleep rough have reported been the victim of sexual assault. In addition, sleeping rough can also have a detrimental effect on people’s long-term mental health, as the isolating nature of rough sleeping makes it incredibly hard to get help. There is no doubt, sleeping rough is a dangerous, scary and difficult situation.
In addition to rough sleepers, Crisis estimates there are 80,000 people who are considered as statutory homeless. People in this group are defined in the legislation as those that lack a secure place to stay or are living somewhere they can’t reasonably stay. This can include hostel accommodation, squatting, people at risk of violence and those that are likely to be homeless in the not-too-distant future (for example, where tenancy notice has been served). People who are considered statutory homeless are entitled to support from their local council. The support can include being provided interim accommodation and having priority on rehousing schemes. The problem is, both of these forms of housing are in short supply, so interim housing is usually reserved for families with children and rehousing, even with priority, can take some time. Although people classed as statutory homeless are not exposed to the same risks as rough sleepers, it is still an incredibly stressful and precarious position to be in.
Finally, research from Crisis and Shelter estimated there to be 60,000 people who are considered to be hidden homeless. The hidden homeless are those that do not come forward to request support and will not be known to authorities, or those using informal support such as sofa surfing. This can also be a stressful way of living with little to no access to help and support. The physical toll of sofa-surfing can often result in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Women’s aid highlights that homelessness, including sofa surfing or sleeping rough is often the price survivors pay for escaping their abuser. This might go some way to explain why some people take such high risks to find a place to sleep. Through no fault of their own, many people find themselves homeless because they have had to flee violence, abuse or family breakdowns. According to Centrepoint, 110,000 young people sought support for homelessness last year - this is such a shocking number and we cannot let these young people become the next generation of homeless people in the UK.
So, what can be done to help solve homelessness in the UK? As we’ve seen, there is more to homelessness than rough sleeping. Every person who finds themselves rough sleeping, at risk of homelessness, sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation has their very own story. Whether escaping domestic violence, experiencing precarious work situations, being unable to secure permanent accommodation, or for any other number of reasons, each person will find themselves in a stressful position that could potentially exposes them, and those around them, to a number of health issues. Added to this, these people will be faced daily with the dangers that are inherit with homelessness – sleeping rough, exposer to the elements, vulnerable to exploitation and assaults or just living in poor quality temporary accommodation.
Yourself and your friends about the types of homelessness. Support your friends and family who may be experiencing the stress and anxiety these situations bring.
To a homeless charity to help them drive change and support homeless people.
By volunteering for a homeless support scheme. These operate nationwide and can always use additional help.
If you find yourself experiencing any form of homelessness, seek out the help you need. There is no shame in finding yourself in this situation and there is always someone to help and support you.
We need to challenge government policies so that homelessness becomes a thing of the past.
Be brave and speak up for vulnerable individuals in our communities who need support. Use the power of collective voice.
Ending homelessness needs a coordinated, conneted approach.
It is far cheaper to prevent homelessness. Successful intervention avoids NHS, mental health an criminal justice costs.
We need to change societal views in order to effectively tackle the wicked problem of homelessness.