Statistics released in September 2003 by the Scottish Executive show at least 24,911 of homeless applications were from, or contained, children. Charities across Britain hope these statistics will act as a “Wake up call” as to the extent of the problem of homelessness.
One of the most shocking facts about homelessness are the number of children affected. The effects of homelessness on children themselves can be far reaching. Statistics show they under-achieve in school, are prone to absenteeism, can suffer from health problems, under-development of social skills or learning difficulties. 100,000 children under the age of 16 run away every year with 18,000 of these being children under 11 years old. It was found that boys were more likely to run away at a young age with girls twice as likely after the age of 14. These children become homeless for many reasons: the most common being the threat of physical abuse. Problems at school, such as bullying were also high on the list of reasons. Ethnic children were less likely to run away than white children. Homeless children survive on the streets by stealing, begging or prostitution. One in seven experienced violence from people they encountered. Most run-aways stay in their home town or city.
One typical example of a homeless teenager in the UK is Peter from Sheffield. As an 18 year old youth, he has been on the streets for two years. His only close relative was in prison so he was being brought up in ‘care’. He has never experienced real family life. Peter now lives on the street living ‘rough’. Peter states, “The worst thing about being homeless is having to beg for food.” Claire Harris , a journalist for Big Issue magazine interviewed him in June 2003 and commented, “He carries with him an overpowering odour of sweat, stale food and urine. His face is dirty, covered in acne and he looks much older than his years.” Peter admits he feels degraded and shameful when people look at him. Peter’s case could be that of any teenager living on the streets in Scotland.
Many of the army of homeless people living rough have had problems with alcohol and drugs. Paul Hughes is from the East End of Glasgow and has a history of drug abuse. He spent four years on the streets in Glasgow, followed by three years in Kilmarnock Prison and has been living in hostel accommodation for seven months. He was put on methadone when he was released to help to deal with his addiction but finds it difficult because he claims up to 90% of homeless people on city streets are on drugs. He refers to drugs as both the problem and the effect of homelessness.
An interesting fact about homelessness is that many homeless people are well-educated. A survey of 150 people in England found that 47% had some form of qualification. 48% had GCSEs,16% had A levels, 15% had a university degree and 13% had professional qualifications. Jason is typical of many in this position. He is a graduate, a trained chef with nowhere to live. Jason summarises, “Prospective employers like my CV but the minute they see I’m living in the hostel, they lose interest.” He feels he is in a ‘catch 22’ situation, “It’s a never ending circle. I can’t win.”
Many organisations work hard to solve the problems of homelessness. They organise campaigns and provide practical help. For example, the work of The Big Issue Movement’s is best known through The Big Issue Magazine. This journal is a news and current affairs magazine which is sold on the streets by those in the homeless predicament thereby providing opportunity for them to earn a legal income. The Big Issue aims not only to provide the homeless with opportunities to help themselves but also to invest profits in services to help homeless people, provide them with a voice in the media, produce a quality magazine which engages readers with issues that affect their lives but are overlooked by the other media. It also provides an example of a socially responsible business and an alternative to conventional charity as a response to homelessness. Nationally it sells 193,464 and the Big Issue South sells 89,073 copies. It was created by Gordon Roddick in September 1991. It became weekly in June 1993 when regional editions were established across Britain. In 1996, George Michael had an interview with the magazine and since then many stars have profiled in its pages.
What steps should the Government take to help homeless people? The housing charity CHAS makes several suggestions which promote greater investment by our government in housing. CHAS believes, “Housing is fundamental to each citizen’s life and affects the health of the nation as a whole. It should be given far greater priority in the way we spend the country’s money.” Also CHAS believes that benefits are unfair for 16 and 17 years olds because it is assumed they are living at home so will have fewer expenses. However, if you are living on your own, food and accommodation costs the same no matter what age you are. “A benefits system is needed which enables people to live on the amount of money they are given, but which allows them to move from benefits to work, and does not trap them in poverty.”
The Homelessness Act 2003 appears to be addressing the problem. In it, every person who is unintentionally homeless is to be guaranteed a home in Scotland by 2012. This Act also offers greater legal protection to those who are homeless or who are in danger of becoming homeless.
Homelessness is therefore undoubtedly a huge problem in our communities which local councils and central Government strive to tackle. Although charities such as Shelter, CHAS and the Big Issue movement all help to raise awareness of the problem, lack of funds to support homeless people is probably the greatest impediment to reducing the numbers of homeless on our streets today. I do believe that actions taken by the government and charities are helping to solve the problem but it is only a drop in the ocean. I would recommend more time is spent on trying to stop people becoming caught in the trap of homelessness in the first place.
Matthew Watson
Bibliography
The Big Issue Magazine June 26 – July 2, 2003
