Women more likely to be affected by homelessness than men, says charity

Women are more likely to be affected by homelessness than men, a charity has said (Photo: Shutterstock)Women are more likely to be affected by homelessness than men, a charity has said (Photo: Shutterstock)
Women are more likely to be affected by homelessness than men, a charity has said (Photo: Shutterstock)

Women are more likely to be affected by homelessness than men, a charity has said.

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In a report named ‘Fobbed off’, the charity Shelter found that 60% of homeless adults in temporary accommodation are women, despite them making up 51% of the general population.

The number of homeless women in temporary accommodation has also nearly doubled in the last ten years.

Shelter said that in 2011, 40,030 women were living in temporary accommodation, but that has risen by 88% to 75,410 in 2021.

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According to polling carried out by YouGov and commissioned by the charity, women are 36% more likely than men to be in arrears or struggling with housing costs.

Single mothers were also found to be facing the most affordability issues, with almost one in three “constantly” struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Lone mothers also faced additional barriers to support, which some did not seek due to fears they would be separated from their children.

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Figures also show that 69% of women who privately rent worry they will not be able to afford anywhere “decent” if their relationship breaks down.

During research, 34 women and one non-binary person who were either homeless or living in poor housing in Birmingham, Bristol and Sheffield were interviewed, with key findings revealing that domestic abuse is the third most common cause of homelessness, with a third of interviewees having experienced it.

‘We need to listen to women and better understand their needs’

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said women are bearing the brunt of the escalating housing crisis and “are being failed at every turn”.

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She said: “No mother should have to choose between buying food or paying her rent. No woman should have to stay with her abuser or face the streets.

“The hike in living costs and cuts to Universal Credit mean it’s only going to get tougher for thousands of women barely hanging on to their homes. It’s appalling women are being fobbed off by professionals who are supposed to help them, and it’s no wonder they feel scared and alone.

“If we’re going to turn back the tide on women’s homelessness, we need to listen to women and better understand their needs. For the women who feel like there’s nowhere to turn, Shelter is here.”

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A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “These figures reflect the increase in support for vulnerable groups, which is preventing thousands of women from becoming homeless. However, we’re clear that temporary accommodation should only be a last resort.

“Tackling homelessness is a Government priority – that’s why we are spending £316 million on this in the next year to build on the success of the Homelessness Reduction Act, which has prevented 400,000 households from becoming homeless, or supported them to settled accommodation.

“We are continuing to work with councils and charities to meet our target of ending rough sleeping by the end of this parliament.”

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