Sources: 1 – Crisis UK / 2 – Wirral Ark / 3 – Shelter
A story of hidden devastation.
About Homelessness
Homelessness is isolating, erosive and devastating. And it’s on the increase. Most people are fortunate enough never to truly understand homelessness – yet it can happen to anyone. We’ll never know exactly how many people in the UK are without a place to call home – there’s no national figure.
That’s because it’s etched into untold hidden stories: stories of sofa surfing, family breakdowns, domestic abuse and squalid housing. Of modern slavery, substance addiction, debt, poverty and simple but tragic misfortune.
In the Wirral alone, there’s a chronic gap between supply and demand for suitable, affordable accommodation.
A home is not just a physical space. A home provides roots, identity, a sense of belonging and a place of emotional well-being. Homelessness is about the loss of all of these. Homeless people are some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society.
With furlough and the eviction ban ending, and unemployment on the rise, there’s a danger of mass homelessness. Many people are just a pay cheque away from losing their home.
Paul Hardman, CEO
Homelessness – the cause
People become and stay homeless for a whole range of complex and overlapping reasons and solving homelessness is about much more than putting a roof over people’s heads. Some of these reasons typically include:
- A breakdown of family relationships
- Unemployment and debt
- Exclusion from school
- Loss of accommodation
- Substance abuse
- Poor mental or physical health
- Domestic violence
- Refugeeism and seeking asylum
A vicious cycle of circumstances.
Not having a home can make it difficult for people to find a job, stay healthy and maintain relationships. It can also increase the chances of taking drugs or experiencing physical or mental health problems. The longer someone is in this position the more difficult it can become to get back on his or her feet. As someone’s problems become more complex, anti-social behaviour, involvement with the criminal justice system and acute NHS services become more likely.
A cost to society.
Homelessness comes at a significant cost to our society. Research indicates:
Help us prevent homelessness
Preventing homelessness in the first place and helping people quickly if they find themselves needing support, can help stop these costs escalating.
Get helpReal Stories
Names have been changed in some instances to protect confidentiality.