In 2005, the government published their study on the Causes of Homelessness Amongst Ethnic Minority Populations. Since that time, there’s been very little further research and subsequent insights into the issue. That was until last November, when Heriot-Watt University published their statistical report on Homelessness Amongst Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities in the UK - the first in depth and comprehensive report on this topic in years.
In this week’s blog, we’re taking a look at what they found.
Disproportionate levels
The study from Heriot-Watt looked at a number of different ethnic groups and various forms of homelessness. Whilst the risks of homelessness do vary, as a whole, the study showed that Black and minority ethnic communities are at the highest risk level in England.
According to the study, people from these communities are three and a half times more at risk of facing homelessness than White people who were born in the UK. This is particularly the case in terms of core and statutory homelessness.
Racial discrimination
Unfortunately, racial discrimination is a factor here, and is something many people from Black and ethnic minorities groups have experienced. In the most recent English Housing Survey, it was found that a third of Black people who have rented from social or private landlords have reported discrimination. Additionally, the study revealed that those who have had to deal with racial discrimination, harassment or abuse were at a bigger risk of facing any form of homelessness.
How do we make a sustained change?
When it comes to making a change, it’s important to recognise that overcoming racial discrimination, in any setting, requires a commitment to education, training and understanding. If we’re to achieve long-term sustainable change, we need to see changes to the processes and everyday structures that are already in place, and a wider sharing of data to ensure that positive change is happening.
It’s also important to address other risk factors that indirectly impact the higher risk of homelessness among Black and ethnic minority communities. For example poverty, a higher likelihood of private renting over property ownership, and general housing insecurity.
Making a change in the here and now
In order to make changes in the here and now, we need the government to take immediate action. Raising the local housing allowance to meet private rent levels, ending no-fault evictions, and building more social housing will make way for continued and sustained positive changes across the board when it comes to homelessness and the different experiences people have.
Whilst earlier research in this area has shown that Black and minority ethnic communities are at a disproportionate risk of homelessness, this most recent report shows the true extent of the disparities. Without action, and with the unrelenting cost of living crisis, we’ll continue to see more and more people from Black and minority ethnic groups facing homelessness at disproportionate levels.
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