By Shams Al Noumani
What is Homelessness?
Homelessness remains one of the most pressing social challenges in the UK today. However what is homelessness? It can take various forms, the most known one being
rough sleeping. However, to be legally considered homeless, a person does not need to be
sleeping rough. It also includes those in temporary accommodations like hostels or bed
and breakfasts, individual’s sofa surfing, and those at risk of losing their homes within the
next 56 days. This blog aims to explore public perceptions of homelessness through survey
data, debunking misconceptions and highlighting key insights.
Key Survey Findings
Our survey revealed a deep public awareness of homelessness, with 70% of respondents
believing it has increased in recent years. Additionally, 69% encounter a homeless
individual daily, underscoring the issue’s visibility. Nottingham, for example, has the
highest homelessness rate in the East Midlands, with over 12,000 people currently on the
housing register.
Despite this awareness, confusion persists about the scope of homelessness and the adequacy of support systems. While rough sleeping is widely recognized, less visible forms, such as youth homelessness, often go unnoticed. Only 64.1% of respondents were familiar with these types of homelessness, highlighting a gap in understanding.
One of the respondents working at a homelessness hostel claimed that during their time working there over the 5 last years they’ve seen the waiting list go from 1-2 weeks to 6 months. When it came to the question about what the public think the main causes of homelessness are the majority thought it related to lack of affordable housing and substance abuse. According to Crisis, the main reasons for homelessness “include systemic inequality and discrimination and incomes that are failing to keep up with rapidly rising rents and the cost of living”.
Public Perceptions of the Causes of Homelessness
What Actually Causes Homelessness?
According to organizations like Crisis, homelessness stems from a combination of structural and systemic factors. Key drivers include:
• Poverty: Incomes failing to keep pace with rising rents and living costs.
• Systemic Inequality: Discrimination against marginalized groups.
• Policy Gaps: Insufficient government and local authority interventions.
• Trauma and Relationship Breakdown: Domestic abuse and family conflict often play significant roles.
While substance abuse and mental health issues can exacerbate homelessness, they are often consequences rather than root causes.
Responsibility and Action
The survey found that 69% of respondents believe the national government should lead efforts to combat homelessness. However, under the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017), local authorities bear statutory duties for addressing homelessness. Despite this, the government’s 2024–2028 plan focuses primarily on rough sleepers, neglecting trauma and systemic issues.
On a community level, engagement remains limited; only 31.2% of respondents have participated in volunteering or fundraising for homelessness-related causes. This gap between concern and action suggests an opportunity to inspire greater involvement.
Bridging Awareness and Action
Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that requires collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities. Public understanding of its causes and forms is the first step toward meaningful change. By addressing systemic drivers and inspiring direct action, we can work towards a society where everyone has a place to call home.
