Why do people become (and stay) homeless?
People become and stay homeless for a whole range of complex and overlapping reasons and in turn solving homelessness is about much more than putting a roof over peoples heads. Homeless people are amongst the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society and many homeless people face a number of issues in addition to, but often compounded by, their homelessness. The isolation and destructive nature of homelessness means that homeless people find it difficult to access the help they need.
The main cause of homelessness is relationship breakdown with family and partners. 1 in 4 ex-homeless people also find themselves unable to sustain a tenancy loneliness & isolation are main causes, often compounded by lack of choice about where they can live.
The lack of work is a major cause and consequence of homelessness, eroding skills and self-esteem and acting as a practical obstacle to finding and keeping a home. Only 2 per cent of homeless people are in full-time employment and 12 per cent work part-time. Over 50 per cent of homeless people have been unemployed for three years or more. Yet 77 per cent of homeless people would like to work now and most have worked at some point in the past.
37 per cent of homeless people have no qualifications whatsoever, and only a third have qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs or above. The experience of homelessness itself deskills and isolates.
Poor health is a major concern for homeless people. Up to 70 per cent of homeless people have mental health issues and 50 75 per cent have a history of problematic substance misuse, but they are still 40 times less likely than the general public to be registered with a GP.
There is a serious shortage of affordable housing for single people. Around 45 per cent of hostel residents are ready to move-on but are not able to due to the lack of appropriate accommodation. And the Government estimate that one person households will account for over 70 per cent of the projected growth in the number of households up to 2026 (mostly in older age groups).
Homeless people are 13 times more likely to be a victim of violence much of it perpetrated by the general public.
