Homelessness

Homelessness looks different for everyone. It is lonely, dangerous and can be life-threatening.

Homelessness

Tonight, someone will sleep rough for the first time. It will be uncomfortable, lonely and
potentially life-threatening.

What can "homelessness" mean?

What can homelessness mean?

Who is at risk of homelessness?

Homelessness can happen to anyone, but some people are more likely to experience it than others. Our clients have often faced overlapping challenges, like poor mental and physical health, substance use issues, social isolation, unstable family relationships and trauma.

Social stigma makes sleeping rough more likely, and even more dangerous.

Minoritised groups. Often face discrimination that puts them at increased risk of homelessness.
Prison leavers. 68% of people released from prison to rough sleeping reoffend within a year.
Low levels of literacy, numeracy and digital skills can be barriers to employment.
Black people are three times more likely to experience homelessness.
Almost 20% of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced homelessness.

Who is at risk of homelessness?

Social stigma makes sleeping rough more likely, and even more dangerous.

Minoritised groups. Often face discrimination that puts them at increased risk of homelessness.
Prison leavers. 68% of people released from prison to rough sleeping reoffend within a year.
Low levels of literacy, numeracy and digital skills can be barriers to employment.
Black people are three times more likely to experience homelessness.
Almost 20% of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced homelessness.

Political causes

We are in a housing and homelessness crisis in this country. Many of our clients simply did not have access to affordable housing or support from public services when they needed it. More and more people are being pushed onto the streets and is it becoming harder for people to move on from rough sleeping.

We know it is possible to end rough sleeping. We also know it takes collaboration across the sector and serious political will. As well as running services, we influence policy makers to make positive change using the power of our clients’ voices and our own expertise.