Beyond Housing the Homeless

Housing is a focal point of social life in the UK. Not only is it key to quality of life, it is also a major determinant of social and economic status. A lot of people’s wellbeing is tied to their access to housing and their capacity for home ownership. Interest rates and mortgage provision are key indicators for the UK economy.

In spite of the social importance of housing too many people are becoming homeless, and remaining so for long periods. In many cases once a person becomes homeless they are no longer able to access council services or housing benefits. At the turn of the new millennium most local councils withdrew from provision of homeless hostels. This meant that charity shelters became the major source of temporary walk in accommodation for the homeless.

Two of the major causes of homelessness are family and emotional breakdown. The turmoil that results often leads to mental ill health, substance misuse and isolation. There are children caught up in sexual exploitation and adults losing their jobs who are finding themselves sleeping rough. An extended period of homelessness further traumatises individuals. There can’t be any success in tackling homelessness without also addressing the root causes. Too often people in crisis are left to suffer complete breakdown before they reach a threshold for public services. This often means that even when given temporary accommodation their lives have become so vulnerable and chaotic that they are unable to maintain it.

Too many local councils are tackling homelessness by putting people into bed and breakfast accommodation, and then passing responsibility on to central government funded housing benefits services. They are not doing any follow up or even collecting data about how many reported homeless people are ending up rough sleeping. This neglect extends to when rough sleepers apply for services. They are not prioritised, given support or followed up when their accommodation needs are being dealt with.

Politicians profer soundbites about creating more affordable housing to combat all housing problems. However, the homeless experience complex problems that can’t be resolved just by offering housing. There is a need for formal services to engage people who are sleeping rough, and dedicated care and support provision to get people resettled. They need ongoing help to deal with the trauma of being homeless and the complexities of bureaucracy. Public funded hostels are needed to provide bridging support for people at risk of homelessness and those currently sleeping rough. These hostels should be staffed with peripatetic or on site care and support workers. More recognition is needed of the need to care for vulnerable people before they become socially excluded.