The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise at an alarming rate.
Right now, around 271,000 people face homelessness in England. This includes over 120,000 children.
It’s almost certain that true numbers are even higher. Those facing hidden homelessness are out of sight (for example, in hostels or sofa surfing), and don’t make it into these statistics.
Our role at Simon on the Streets has never been more important.
As we brace ourselves for numbers to surge once again, we’re taking a look at who’s most at risk of becoming homeless, why this is happening and what we can do to make a change.
Increase in first-time homelessness
For individuals who are already at a disproportionate risk of facing homelessness, the risks are, devastatingly, now even greater. Specifically, for those part of the LGBTQ+ community, and those part of ethnic minoritised groups.
Young LGBTQ+ people already account for approximately 24% of rough sleepers, or those struggling with other forms of ‘hidden’ homelessness. Individuals in black and ethnic minoritised groups are three and a half times more likely to face homelessness than white people born in the UK.
These figures are already nothing short of unacceptable. And in the coming months, they’re likely to become much worse, as more people experience homelessness for the first time.
Across the UK, we’re also seeing an ageing homeless population. People aged 60 and over are just another demographic who are increasingly affected by homelessness, and especially for the first time.
Again, it’ll come as no surprise that many more will face homelessness if we see no commitment to change from those who can make the biggest difference; the UK government.
So many people are facing homelessness for the first time, but, why?
The cost of living crisis
It’s clear the cost of living crisis plays a big role in this, and will continue to for months to come. With homelessness already on the increase in the UK, the cost of living crisis will take its toll.
UK prices reached a record 40-year high in April 2022, and almost a year later, costs are showing no signs of relenting or coming down. Undoubtedly, this is contributing to a large number of people facing homelessness for the first time.
Shortage of affordable housing
The cost of living, a shortage of affordable housing and insufficient housing benefits have proved to be a devastating combination, fuelling such a sharp rise in homelessness.
The Spring Budget 2023 shows the extent of the government’s lack of commitment to those at risk or on the brink of facing homelessness. As inflation rises, rent and bills become increasingly unaffordable, and Local Housing Allowance and housing benefits remain frozen at 2020 levels, this will prove catastrophic for people already facing poverty or at a disproportionate risk of homelessness.
The consequences
Data from Shelter has revealed that in Summer 2022, nearly 250,000 people were living in temporary accommodation. That’s an increase of 74% since 2012.
With no further support from the government, charities and services just like ours are becoming over-stretched. The consequences are becoming apparent as people are placed in poor and inadequate temporary accommodation.
Shelter has found that those in temporary accommodation are experiencing detrimental impact on their health:
- 63% of people say that living in temporary accommodation has had a negative impact on their mental health
- Half say that it has had a negative impact on their physical health
- 2 in 5 people say that living in temporary accommodation has made it harder to access healthcare
With so much negative impact on both physical and mental health, for some people, getting the right support when facing homelessness really is life or death.
Can you help us make a change?
There’s no doubt that the cycle of homelessness has always been a hard one to break. But it’s becoming almost impossible for individuals to break free from this cycle on their own.
The situation is becoming critical. We expect figures to reach 300,000 by the end of this year.
If we want to enact sustained change, we need your help. From one off donations, to simply sharing one of our posts to social media, everything makes a difference.
Whether you own a business, want to fundraise for us or volunteer, find out how you can get involved here.