broadsheet on homelessness

Times 2

70p www.timesonline.co.uk/ 11/12/2008

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Homelessness

A report by Louise Bain

Myths & Facts about Homelessness

Homeless people not only suffer from the hardship of their condition, but also must deal with the alienation and discrimination brought about by the myths and stereotypes about homelessness. What follows are some of the myths and the realities about homelessness.

Definition of homelessness:

Homelessness is the condition and social category of people who lack housing, because they cannot afford, or are otherwise unable to maintain, regular, safe, and adequate shelter.

Homelessness, lack of secure accommodation or a settled lifestyle are major barriers to finding stable employment. Most homeless people, therefore, are dependent on welfare benefits. Apart from winter shelters, almost all hostels require residents to pay rent. In most cases this is met through Housing Benefit which is only available to people who are unemployed or on low incomes. Restrictions in recent years to the eligibility for various benefits have presented particular difficulties with accessing accommodation for young people, students and people from abroad.

Many homeless people are unemployed and rely on welfare benefits. There is a wide range of different benefits and the benefits system is complicated. Homeless people need access to good advice and assistance to ensure they receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Advice on benefits is often, therefore, a key component of the work with homeless people for staff in hostels, day centres and housing advice services.

Did you know?

The official term for being homeless is actually homelessness.

The fastest growing homeless group in the U.S. is families with children.

Thirty-six percent of people with ...