Homelessness An educational, hopefully mildly amusing, yet informative talk. By Ross Wilson

Aims of talk: 1.Clarify and define “homelessness” 2.Identify the scope and scale of the problem 3.Diagnose the causes 4.Outline the symtoms 5.Suggest solutions 6.Practical advice

What is homelessness? Broad term – not just rough sleepers The Law’s Definition: no accommodation Accomodation unsuitable for living (violence or health reasons) legal right to accommodation that you cannot access (eg illegally evicted) accommodation with no legal right to occupy (eg squat/staying with friends).

How big is the problem? Govt. figures estimate 500 peeps on streets in England Closer to 5000 sleep rough over one year There were 204,700 households found to be homeless in In Reading – peeps on street?

What’s it like? The symptoms: Rough sleeping: cold, abrasive, isolation, depression, fear of crime (eg. In town), abuse, health problems, alcoholism, drug addiction, hunger. Vulnerable housing – insecurity, lack of life control, unemployment, low self- esteem, bad landlords.

Kevin, 37 R.I.P

Why does this happen? The causes: Research shows: Predominantly family conflict sexual and physical abuse in childhood or adolescence, parents with drug or alcohol problems previous experience of family homelessness Family conflict in the past can also trigger homelessness in later life. An institutional background Including: having been in care, the armed forces prison

The causes cont… Individual factors including: drug and alcohol misuse, difficulties at school, lack of qualifications, lack of social support, debts, especially mortgage or rent unemployment, poor physical and mental health, getting involved in crime at an early age.

The Causes cont… Social, structural factors: Housing market shortages and lack of affordable housing How the national housing system operates The extent of people’s housing rights Social trends, eg. increasing incidence of relationship breakdown, Structure and administration of Housing Benefit (HB) Wider policy developments, such as the closure of long-stay psychiatric hospitals..

Random facts: Ethnic minority households make up seven per cent of England’s population, but account for 20 per cent of households accepted as homeless by local authorities More than one million children wake up in squalid, temporary or crowded accommodation every day.

What is being done? Emergency relief – charities (shelter, crisis, Big Issue), churches, sandwich shops Big Issue – Work based income, motivation, costs £1.40, 80p goes to vendor. Not begging. Supporting People initiative from Government 2003 – preventative approach, rather than panacea. Ross’s crazy busking stunt.

What more can be done? Big Issue Founder – A. John Bard Fixing clocks Money into the right places: More shelters Psychological support – family Safe accomodation Work training Parenting Education Drug/alcohol support.

What do I do if someone is begging/ asks me for money? Begging- if you’re with someone – go over and talk. Ask “How are you?” Introduce yourself, be friendly. Show sympathy, listen. Do NOT give them money – issue of trust. Ask them if you can get them any food, drink (hot), or clothing (gloves etc) Ask where they are sleeping. Ask them how they got on the streets. Smile, say “goodbye” and that you’ll say ”Hi” next time you’re in town.

What about those guys who come up and ask me for money? Sometimes people come up to you and ask for “50p for the bus/train” This is a tactic of drug-users especially (Scar tissue) If you’re alone - lie and say you don’t have change (better for them) If you’re with someone - offer to go to bus/train station with them and buy a ticket.

What have we learned? Homelessness is a broad term It’s a big problem It sucks for everyone involved There are many causes – some personal, some social More work needs to be done targeting causes rather than consequences Talk, and try and give compassion, food etc, not money

Questions?

Thank you for listening! Ross Wilson, CEO, Save the Homeless Enterprises Ltd.