Published: 25 February 2008
The Complexity of Homelessness
This week, Homeless Link and Resource Information Service (RIS) have launched independent research in the field of adult disadvantage and homelessness.
This is the first time the sector has had baseline demographic data on the state of the sector, showing the true complexity & vulnerability of the client group it supports.
Funded by Communities and Local Government (CLG) and CRASH, the research uncovers substantial amounts of data on:
· services provided by day centres
· bed spaces and use of hostels & other accommodation
· the support needs of people who access homelessness services, and
· how these services are funded
Key messages are:
· Homelessness agencies are working with some of the most socially excluded individuals in our society.
· The majority of services estimate that most of the people they work with have multiple problems, for example drug and alcohol issues, mental health problems, benefits and debt problems.
While the government is doing much excellent work with homelessness, these complex & vulnerable individuals are being failed by a number of services:
· There is a link between the lack of settled accommodation and criminal behaviour.
· One fifth of projects report the majority of the people using their services were prison leavers. This group is present in the majority of homelessness services.
· However, less than half of projects have funding for criminal justice services. Only 3% of services reported receiving any funding from criminal justice sources, for example
· Support for education, training and employment is less commonly available than other types of advice and support. Only 5% of projects reported any level of funding from employment and education agencies
Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, said:
“This type of information is critical to make sure that we can see what is needed to help these vulnerable people to move on in their lives.
It helps us to identify the gaps - both in areas where there is little available and in the type of support that are needed and yet not adequately provided.
So much is already being achieved within services that have become “Places of Change”. Now we have the evidence to show what else needs to be put into place.
We pay tribute to CLG and CRASH for their vision in funding and backing this research.
We now have the evidence to take to other parts of Government to underpin our call for them to play their part in changing the lives of the vulnerable adults who experience homelessness and deep disadvantage.”
Matt Harrison, Chief Executive of RIS, said:
"Information about the needs homeless people hav and the services on offer to help meet these needs is vital.
It not only ensures that homeless people are directed to sources of appropriate help and support but also identifies gaps in provision and helps service providers, policy makers, funders and government develop better services.
This research shows the breadth and complexity of the homelessness sector, but also points the ways in which it needs to develop in the future."
Further information
Homeless Link is the national membership organisation for frontline homelessness agencies in England
Survey of Needs and Provision (SNaP) — Homeless Link
Ending Homelessness: from Vision to Action — End Homelessness
Resource Information Service (RIS) is a specialist information charity and the leading provider in the UK of directories, websites and information systems about services for people in need.
CRASH is the construction and property industry charity for the homeless. It harnesses the skills, products, talents and goodwill of the two industries to improve buildings and premises for voluntary agencies working with homeless people, throughout the UK.
Related article: Homeless Link calls for action on Rough Sleeping
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