Homelessness



Definition of Homelessness
Many people only associate homelessness with sleeping on the streets, but this conceals the range and scale of the problem.

Homelessness exists in many different forms. Shelter works to ensure that everyone has the right to a decent, secure and permanent home, not simply a roof over their heads.

The reality is that sleeping on the streets is the most extreme form of homelessness. The vast majority of homeless people are families or single people who are not sleeping rough.

Some may be staying with relatives and friends on a temporary basis. Others live in temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast hotels, hostels, night shelters and refuges. For many, this means living in poor quality accommodation that is detrimental to their health and well-being. And in all cases, not having a permanent home causes stress and countless practical difficulties.

Legal Definition
Broadly speaking, the law defines someone as being homeless if they do not have a legal right to occupy accommodation, or if their accommodation is unsuitable to live in. This can cover a wide range of circumstances, including, but not restricted to, the following:

Local councils have a legal duty to provide advice and assistance to people who are legally defined as homeless or threatened with homelessness. However, not everyone who falls within the legal definition necessarily qualifies for temporary accommodation.
 * having no accommodation at all
 * having accommodation that is not reasonable to live in, even in the short-term (eg because of violence or health reasons)
 * having a legal right to accommodation that you cannot access (eg if you have been evicted illegally)
 * living in accommodation you have no legal right to occupy (eg living in a squat or staying with friends temporarily).

Rough Sleepers



 * The autumn 2017 total number of rough sleepers counted and estimated was 4,751
 * That was up 617, or 15% from the autumn 2016 total of 4,134
 * The number of rough sleepers increased by 173, or 18% in London and 444 or 14% in the rest of England since autumn 2016
 * London represented 24% of the England total rough sleepers in autumn 2017. This is up from 23% of the England total in autumn 2016
 * 14% of rough sleepers were women, 20% were non-UK nationals and 8% were under 25 years old