Homelessness
Ending homelessness start really with the Local Authorities and Social Housing Providers this is where the majority of the stock lies. Preventing this from happening will only be possible if there is:
- Enough housing
- Housing related benefits are overhauled and really does cover the cost of housing
We use the ‘Duty To Refer’ Jigsaw. This enables a clear approach and central system in order to make sure that vulnerable persons at risk of homelessness are picked up to be supported correctly.
We are a ‘Choice based’ lettings scheme so while we don't directly let our properties, this is done working in close partnership with the local authorities to ensure a comprehensive and full use of our stock and ensuring resources are used along with reducing the costs to provide temporary accommodation.
Multi-agency working is paramount and this is echoed in all three areas. In order to deliver a robust and streamlined service the information needs to delivered by close working with the agencies from adult Social Care, Public Health and other housing providers, not to mention our own Tenancy Sustainment Service.
Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness but there are a wide range of situations that are also described as homelessness. Understanding each type of homelessness leads to better support and a better view of homelessness as a whole. Building a picture of the number of people who are homeless is complicated. This is due to the different ways each type is counted and the limitations of each approach.
Research
Research within Longhurst Group has shown the rise in homelessness.
Why someone may have been homeless or threatened with homelessness prior to being offered a property from us via the Choice Based Lettings system:
- Asked to leave by Family/Friends
- No Fixed Abode or Rough Sleeping
- End of Short Term Tenancy
- Domestic Abuse
- Relationship breakdown
- Rent/Mortgage Difficulty
- From Prison
- From Housing Needs
- Eviction/Repossession
- Stock transfer
- Other - Temporary Accommodation
- Family & Friends
- Permanent Decant
- Refugee
In 2021 and 2022 there is a notable shift and which reflects the global Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the various lockdowns and restrictions in place, as well as the Government ban on Evictions.
2021 in particular saw a sharp rise in customers being asked to leave by family and friends shoot up to 30%, with rough sleeping being the sharpest rise from being 9% in 2020 going up to 20%.
