At least 1 in every 153 people is experiencing homelessness in England.
“You’re only ever two missed pay cheques away from experiencing homelessness.”
It’s a common saying you’ve likely heard before. In reality, it’s worse. Crisis estimates that working renters are only one missed pay cheque away from losing their homes, with around 3.2 million adults lacking enough savings to cover rent if they lost their job.
But this isn’t a situation that’s limited to renters. With an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, universal credit not being enough for adults to cover the basic essentials, mortgage rates changing, rent rising, wages not growing and a lack of social housing, anyone could be at risk of facing homelessness.
And that’s just one reason why homelessness is everyone’s problem.
What can be done?
Breaking the cycle of homelessness, unfortunately, isn’t easy. It relies on multiple services, strength, determination, and empathy, and there’s no doubt that the system needs to change for the better.
The government’s strategy to end homelessness, introduced at the end of last year, was a welcome first step, but we need fewer sticking plasters and more preventative measures that keep unemployment low and stop families from living on the breadline.
Measures like:
- Creating more employment opportunities through digital training.
- Building more social housing.
- Reform the benefits system to make sure that families get enough to cover the essentials and live without poverty.
We’ve been supporting those facing homelessness for over 25 years, and we’re certainly not naive enough to think that these things can happen overnight. But we must continue to push those in power to take steps towards change, and work together at the community level to help people improve their lives.
Our work at Simon on the Streets
We work with people experiencing homelessness in all its forms, including rough sleeping, across Leeds and Bradford. Our work isn’t about forcing change or telling people how to live their lives; it’s about being there at every step of a person’s journey as they look to a more positive future. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.
Our outreach team support is long-term, as all too often, putting a roof over someone’s head is only the beginning. There are no short-term, quick fixes; we’re here for as long as someone may need us.
Our mission is ongoing, and if you’d like to help us continue, there are so many ways you can get involved:
- Donate directly here.
- Become a part of Simon’s Corporate Community, supporting not only our work but also building your brand and CSR strategy, too.
- Take part in one of Simon’s Challenge Events, like the Leeds 10k.
- Follow us on our social media channels, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
- Share our posts with the hashtag #SimonsCorporateCommunity.
Whether you’re an individual, part of a team, or running a business, ending homelessness is a community effort.
Resources anyone worried about homelessness can use
If you’re worried about experiencing homelessness, or you know someone who is, you’re not alone, and there is support out there.
Here are some resources you can use if you or someone you know is worried about unemployment or their living status:
- Gov UK (Help if you’re homeless or about to become homeless): https://www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness
- Salvation Army (Help for those at risk of homelessness): https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/support-those-risk-homelessness
- Leeds housing (for those at risk or experiencing homelessness): 0113 222 4412 (9am-5pm). Emergency out-of-hours number: 0113 378 8366.
Unemployment:
- Gov UK (looking for work): https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/looking-for-work
- Leeds Employment Hub: https://www.inclusivegrowthleeds.com/employmenthub.