Haven witnesses rise in number of young homeless

This year The Haven Wolverhampton has witnessed a rise in the number of young single homeless women referring to its accommodation support services. Between March 2009 and April 2010 The Haven recorded a total of 343 homeless women referring to accommodation services compared to 242 in 2008/09.

Whilst researching to see if figures recorded by The Haven reflected national homeless trends for refuge providers it was discovered there is no comprehensive or robust source of information on the number of single homeless people in the UK. This is due in part to the political definitions of homelessness, and in part to the ‘hidden’ and ‘mobile’ nature of many people’s homelessness. The available figures on the number of statutory homeless households, rough sleepers and hostel and night shelter users are all estimates and subject to limitations. However, based on those figures that are available, it can be concluded that The Haven is not alone when attempting to accommodate more homeless single people.

Those referring to accommodation services often have experiences of poverty; unemployment; sexual and/or physical abuse; family dispute and breakdown; a background of local authority care; time in prison or the armed forces; drug and/or alcohol misuse; school exclusion and poor mental or physical health. Specific events which trigger homelessness can include leaving the parental home following an argument or disagreement; marital or relationship breakdown; eviction; widowhood; discharge from the armed forces; leaving care; leaving prison and a sharp deterioration in mental health or an increase in alcohol and/or drug misuse.

Whilst alcohol misuse amongst homeless people and its health impacts are supported at the Haven, there is surprisingly little material on drugs in health and homelessness literature. This gap urgently needs to be addressed as anecdotal evidence suggests that meeting the accommodation and other needs of dependent drug users, is one of the key challenges now facing homelessness services.

What is needed?

• Research into the impact of the rise in number of young homeless at a local level;
• Longitudinal research to trace the experiences of homeless people over time, particularly to test the effectiveness of interventions;
• The need for intensive support for some single homeless people, with an appropriate commitment of resources;
• The importance of focusing on the long-term outcomes of homelessness interventions, and developing appropriate resettlement services;

Michaila Tope
Head of Accommodation Support Services