Causes of homelessness
People become homeless for many reasons. They may become unemployed, lose their home due to increases in rent or be experiencing poverty and debt. They may have left prison, care or the army and have no home to go to. There is a shortage of affordable housing which makes it more difficult for people to find places to rent. An individual may be fleeing domestic violence or become homeless after a relationship breakdown or bereavement. For many people it is often a combination of factors.
Effects of sleeping rough
Homelessness can have the biggest impact on a person's mental and physical health - they both contribute to someone sleeping rough and worsen the problems the longer they are on the streets. Many people who are homeless experience feelings of isolation and loneliness which affects their mental health.
