Nicola White’s Post

In towns and cities across the country, rough-sleepers are a common sight on our streets. They are the visible evidence of the UK’s ever-present problem of homelessness. While in some parts of the UK, levels of rough-sleeping have stabilised, in others the figure has risen sharply. Official figures from the first part of 2024 show that rough sleeping increased in every region of England compared to the previous year. The largest increase in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough is in London, where there were 1,132 people this year, compared to 858 people in 2022, an increase of 274 people or 32%. Housing First: making homelessness history is an insight paper that highlights what is known about the homelessness intervention strategy, Housing First, and discusses the costs and funding of such projects. You can download the full briefing here https://lnkd.in/eX7eT_NV #GrantFinder #HousingFunding #HousingFirst

The latest government figures on homelessness are deeply concerning and paint a bleak picture of the UK’s current housing crisis. In Jan-Mar 2024 86,520 more households approached their local council for homelessness assistance and were deemed eligible for support. This is the largest number since these records began. Other key figures revealed: • There were 117,450 households in temporary accommodation on 31 March 2024, a 12% increase from 31 March 2023 • Households in temporary accommodation with children increased by 15% to 74,530 • 17,750 households were placed in bed and breakfasts, this has increased by 30% on the same period last year. This included 5,550 households with children – a 44% rise from January to March 2023 These shocking figures highlight how urgent government action is needed to get a grip on the pressing situation and help those most in need. Read more here: https://ow.ly/o3fS50SYpKP #HomelessnessCrisis #UKHousing #TemporaryAccommodation #HomelessnessSupport

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) has released its annual report for April 2023 to March 2024. Outreach teams recorded 11,993 people sleeping rough in London during this period. This marks a significant 19% increase from last year’s total of 10,053. Additionally, this is a 58% rise from a decade ago in 2014/15, which stood at 7,581 rough sleepers. For the first time in CHAIN’s history, the number of people recorded sleeping rough in a single month exceeded 2,000. Both September and November 2023 saw this milestone, highlighting a worrying trend in the increasing visibility of homelessness. Westminster reported the highest number of rough sleepers, with 2,102 people (18% of the total). All but six of the 33 London boroughs saw increases in rough sleeping. In the boroughs we work in, Croydon had 449 people sleeping rough, Lambeth had 681, and Kensington & Chelsea had 226. Additionally, 118 people were recorded rough sleeping on buses, and 14 on the London Underground. With the country preparing to vote in the general elections next week, it is up to those elected to make ending homelessness a priority. It is essential that we continue to support outreach teams, homelessness organisations, and local authorities working tirelessly to address this issue. Read more on the CHAIN website or visit our website to see what you can do to help. https://lnkd.in/ebC-wspa #chaindata #roughsleeping #election2024

State and territory ministers are scheduled to meet with new Federal Housing & Homelessness Minister Clare O'Neil in Western Sydney next week. You would have to assume that the National Housing and Homelessness Plan will be included in that agenda. So far, we've had a shortened consultation process that concluded at the end of last year. A funding package has been agreed upon with the state and territories, essentially matching the funding level of the previous five years, with a few exceptions including the Northern Territory. The new Minister has a significant opportunity to work together with the states and territories, as well as the broader housing and homelessness sector, signifying a pivotal moment in the development of the first national plan ever. It is important to have an opportunity to reconnect with the industry before finalising the plan. We need to see and review a draft and fully recognise the crucial role of partnership in delivering a national housing and homelessness plan. Doing so would greatly demonstrate a genuine interest in successful working relationships in the future to prevent and end homelessness and deliver enough homes for all Australians. #NationalPlan #Housing #Homelessness #Partnerships #BetterTogether

London Ontario is looking at a 22 million dollar homeless model where 'hubs' that shelter and transition people off the street are located in different areas of the city. These hubs will be connected to transitional housing. The opposition to the 'Hubs' is based on fear. Fear for children's safety, break-ins and car thefts. The 'not in my neighbourhood' style of opposition. Sure, let's address homelessness but not here, not now. 💡 I think what's missing is education. Our citizens need to be educated on who is homeless. At N'Dinawemak we call them "Relatives" because we all know someone who is homeless, dealt with a severe mental health crisis or are living in unstable living conditions. ❓ Where will you, and your elected officials in your area, stand when faced with this option? 💡 If you don't know, now is a great time to start some research because the homeless issue is not going anywhere anytime soon. #volunteersmakeadifference #endhomelessness #loveoneanother #changemakers

Interesting to read the National Housing Federation's homelessness survey report 📈 Whilst there is such a long road ahead in tackling the homelessness crisis, it's positive to see that the statistics have improved in comparison to the survey conducted in 2018. 👉 71% of respondents reported developing new approaches to homelessness, compared to 35% in 2018 👉 42% of respondents provide an intensive support service, compared to 12% in 2018 The lack of homes still remains the number one barrier, which is unchanged since 2018. https://lnkd.in/evntNuST

The UK has now surpassed the US in terms of homelessness, marking a crisis-level catastrophe. This alarming development highlights the growing severity of homelessness in the UK, driven by various factors including insufficient affordable housing and economic challenges. It's a stark reminder that homelessness is not confined to a single region but is a global issue requiring urgent attention and action. Addressing homelessness demands comprehensive policies and community support to ensure everyone has access to safe, stable housing. Learn more about this critical issue: https://lnkd.in/gVbMi_Tf #HumanFirst #EndHomelessness

Why doesn't criminalizing homelessness work? ⚠️ IT'S INEFFECTIVE: arresting or fining a person does not solve their housing problem. It accomplishes nothing. 🏘️ It KEEPS PEOPLE HOMELESS FOR LONGER: not only are there fines, but the record follows a person attempting to secure a job and housing. It becomes a long-term barrier to exiting homelessness. 💡 IT DISTRACTS FROM SOLUTIONS: rather than punishing individuals without housing options, our communities should commit to the challenging yet sustainable work that has repeatedly proven effective in resolving homelessness. #HomelessnessIsSolvable Learn more about the Johnson v. Grants Pass case: https://bit.ly/3xmp8dv

New strategies are sorely needed to address the ongoing crisis: over 1,400 people are estimated to be facing homelessness in Anaheim. This is according to the latest Point In Time Count numbers, which show the highest number of unhoused people recorded in recent years. Proven solutions to #EndHomelessnessOC include lengthening eviction notification periods and requiring landlords to offer relocation aid when issuing no-fault evictions. Read on and remember: homelessness is a solvable issue. We can and will continue to use our voices to change the conversation. https://bit.ly/3yFTPeu

https://lnkd.in/ex6Rr8_7 #bettersocietycapital Britain has the worst record on homelessness in the developed world. Our vision on what homelessness is needs to change. #bsc leading the initiative on this hugely important issue facing the UK