A safe, affordable and secure home that gives people a foundation on which to build their lives is a basic human need. This is at the heart of everything we do at Selwood Housing. For World Homeless Day 2024, we’re joining with voices across the UK and the world to help raise awareness of the ongoing homeless crisis.
How big is the crisis?
In December 2023, research by housing charity Shelter estimated that over 300,000 people in the UK were without a home, including over 140,000 children. That’s one in every 182 people! While it’s difficult to make country comparisons globally, among OECD countries, it’s shocking to note that the UK has one of the highest populations experiencing homelessness. And with an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and acute shortage of affordable housing, the number of homeless people in the UK is likely to be growing significantly.
What is homelessness?
Homelessness is not only people sleeping rough on city streets it has many forms. The homelessness monitor defines it as:
- People sleeping rough.
- Single homeless people living in hostels, shelters and temporary supported accommodation.
- Statutorily homeless households – households who seek housing assistance from local authorities on grounds of being currently or imminently without accommodation.
- ‘Hidden homeless’ households – people who may be considered homeless but whose situation is not ‘visible’ either on the streets or in official statistics
What causes homelessness?
There are many reasons people become homeless including social causes such as poverty and unemployment. Some are forced into homelessness after leaving prison, care or armed services with nowhere to go, others after escaping a violent or abusive relationship. Many simply cannot afford the rent.
Stressful life events, such as relationship breakdowns, job loss, physical or mental health problems, or substance misuse are also significant both as a cause and consequence of homelessness.
Helping to end homelessness in our communities
We provide over 7,200 secure tenancies in affordable rented homes and help people onto the housing ladder through shared ownership homes. However, with more than 1.3 million households on the social housing waiting list in England, including thousands in Wiltshire and Somerset, significant numbers of households in our communities are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Our lettings and tenancy sustainment teams regularly work with other local agencies to help those in the most urgent need. We have recently adopted the innovative Housing First model, which aims to end homelessness using an intensive, person-centred, holistic approach.
This offers a more creative solution to support individuals with histories of repeat homelessness and multiple and complex needs. With no conditions, other than their desire for a tenancy, those supported aren’t required to be ‘housing-ready’ before moving in; rather, the secure housing gives them a stable platform from which to address other issues.
Working with Somerset Council and other local partners, we currently provide four homes under the Housing First model. Alongside their home, tenants benefit from a personalised wraparound support package. We’re pleased to see that all have been successful in sustaining their tenancy and now have a stable foundation on which to rebuild their lives.
Where to find support if you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless.
- Crisis: focus on supporting people who face the most barriers and cannot access support elsewhere. Find out more.
- Shelter: provide housing advice including an emergency helpline if you are homeless, are worried about losing your home or at risk of harm or abuse in your home. Find out more.
- Wiltshire Council: Homelessness – Wiltshire Council
There’s also a range of useful advice on our website:
