What causes homelessness?

People become homeless for various reasons. Sometimes, it can be an everyday experience that can happen to anyone, such as a relationship breakdown, a rent increase, or job loss. For others, the issues may run deeper.

At HARP, we know that helping people escape homelessness for good is about more than just providing a roof over their heads. That’s why we offer ongoing support to help individuals rebuild their lives and move away from support services.

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Lack of Affordable Housing

Across the UK, including Southend, there is a significant shortage of good-quality affordable homes, especially social housing. Over the past few decades, reduced government investment in social housing has led to this shortfall. Many local authorities face challenges in building new social housing units or even maintaining existing ones due to budget constraints and changes in policies.

There is a huge social divide in Southend. New investments attract wealthier residents. This in turn drives up property prices and rents, displacing lower-income families who can no longer afford to live in their neighbourhoods. Additionally, the rising number of vulnerable people, such as those experiencing homelessness, adds more pressure to the already limited supply of affordable and social housing options.

Insecure Privately Rented Homes

Eviction from rented homes is a major cause of homelessness, especially with high rents and short contracts. In places like Southend, where a one-bedroom flat costs over £1,000 per month, it’s hard for people with low incomes to afford housing. With wages often not keeping up with rising rent prices, many renters struggle to keep a roof over their heads. People on benefits or low wages, are hit the hardest, making it even more difficult for them to find or keep stable housing. More affordable homes and stronger support for renters are needed to prevent people from being evicted and falling into homelessness.

Inadequate Housing Benefit

Put simply, inadequate housing benefit is a big reason why many people are becoming homeless. One in three private renters rely on housing benefit or universal credit to help pay their rent. However, the amount people receive often isn’t enough to cover the rising cost of rent. As rent prices go up but housing benefit stays the same, people are left struggling to afford a home. Many have to choose between paying rent or covering other basic needs like food and bills. This can lead to falling behind on rent, facing eviction, and eventually becoming homeless. To stop this, housing benefits need to be adjusted to match the actual cost of renting, so people can afford to stay in their homes.

Poverty and Inequality

Poverty and inequality make it harder for some people to compete in the rental market, increasing their chances of becoming homeless. People who face discrimination because of their race, gender, or disabilities often struggle to find stable housing. Those who are single parents or have experienced domestic abuse are also more susceptible to homelessness. Others who rely on benefits, are leaving prison or the care system, or have served in the armed forces may find it difficult to secure a home. Refugees are also at a higher risk of being homeless, as they face additional barriers.

Lack of Rights

Many people are homeless and living on the streets because they have no legal right to housing in the UK. This is especially true for single homeless people, like those helped by HARP. They don’t have the same rights as families, so they struggle to get support and find a place to live. On the other hand, families with children have more legal protections, which is why you rarely see them sleeping on the streets. These families are more likely to receive help from the government, such as being placed in temporary housing or shelters. Single homeless people often don’t qualify for this kind of assistance, making it much harder for them to escape street homelessness and find a safe place to stay.

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