What is homelessness?
Homelessness is a complex issue that presents itself in various forms. It can be a truly frightening and isolating experience. People experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to physical and mental health issues, often compounded by trauma.
The Society of St James believes that having a safe place to call home is a fundamental human right, and without it, everything is a challenge. While visible street homelessness is apparent in towns and cities, thousands more can be described as 'hidden homeless'. People may find themselves in temporary accommodation or overcrowded and unsuitable housing, while others may be sofa surfing with friends and family.
It is shocking that at the moment in the UK thousands of people are without a permanent, safe home.
How many people are homeless?
It is impossible to accurately count the number of people who are homeless, as along with people who are living on the streets there are thousands of people who can be described as ‘hidden homeless’ – people who are not on the streets but have no place to call home. The number of people finding themselves in this situation is increasing every day.
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One off donation
£12 could go towards providing essential items like toiletries, towels and a change of clothes for someone moving from rough sleeping into a hostel.
£25 could go towards providing a bus ticket and interview attire for someone to attend a job interview, giving them the opportunity to secure employment and rebuild their life.
Just £20
a month could help us provide a wide variety of activities, accredited courses and volunteering opportunities so that people can explore their strengths. This is vital to helping secure a route into employment, and ultimately in sustaining a tenancy.
Just £50
a month could go towards helping someone furnish and decorate their first ever home. Giving people this choice is central to recovering from years of trauma and essential to building the stability necessary to sustain a tenancy.
Just £100
a month could go towards providing ongoing support to someone seeking a safe and secure privately rented home, including assistance with finding a reputable landlord, navigating tenancy agreements, and setting up essential utilities.
Reasons people become homeless
There is no single cause of homelessness but people do not become homeless deliberately - there are many complex reasons why people become homeless, and why many subsequently remain homeless, facing a very uncertain future.
Relationship breakdown
Simon had to leave his family home after his relationship with his mum broke because he and his mum’s new partner didn’t get along. At just 18 years old and without employment, Simon found himself unable to afford his own home.
Mental health problems
Sarah was a successful accountant with a stable life. However, after her mother's death, she began experiencing severe anxiety and depression. She found it difficult to concentrate at work, leading to mistakes and eventually, job loss. With no income, she couldn't afford her rent, and her mental health deteriorated further, making it hard to seek help. She ended up on the streets, her mental health struggles making it even harder to escape homelessness.
Domestic Abuse
Katie's husband was abusive. One night, a neighbor called the police, due to hearing an altercation and being concerned for Katie's safety. Katie's husband was arrested. Katie, fearing further violence, decided she needed to leave. She had no money, as he controlled all the finances, and was isolated from all friends and family during the abusive relationship. She had nowhere safe to go and she became homeless.
Addiction
Lisa became homeless after her increasing dependence on Heroin meant that she was no longer able to remain in her job. Her addiction took over her life and she was unable to sustain her job or her home.