Everyone has an idea of what homelessness is. Generally the public think homelessness to mean people living on the streets. But legally speaking, it actually covers a much wider spectrum:
• Having no accommodation, sleeping rough.
• Having accommodation that is not reasonable to live in, even for a short-term. For example, it is of a very poor standard, or you are under threat of violence or it is damaging your health .
• Having a legal right to accommodation that you cannot access. For example, you have been illegally evicted. Or
• Living in accommodation you have no legal right to occupy. For example, having no option but to live in a squat, or stay on the sofas or floors of friends or family.
The main cause of homelessness is relationship breakdown
One of the main issues is the cycle that homelessness creates, if someone is made homeless, regardless of their willingness to work or indeed ability. It is very hard to get a job.97% of homeless people interviewed said they wanted to work but only 2& work full time. Any other issues such as mental health, alcohol or drug use are likely to be worsened by the feelings of failure, rejection and uselessness which often accompany homelessness.
Equally, there’s no doubt that it is difficult to cope with day to day life at the best of times, I’m sure this is something everyone can agree on let alone this issues of living on the streets or in insecure or unsafe accommodation.
Homeless people are13 times more likely to be the victims of violence and rough sleepers die on average at just 47 years of age.
Homelessness, like everything else comes, with prejudices and stereotypes, and it is easy to simply think of someone on the street, with these in mind. But like everything else simply because stereotypes exist does not mean that they are correct. I’m not going to feed the fire and name these stereotypes but I’m sure you can think of some, regardless of anyone’s situation people are still people and it is easy to fall into the trap of boxing people off and thus it not being everyone’s problem.
I am not claiming to hold all the answers, but I see plenty of empty bordered-up houses, and I see only a slight representation of the homeless population and this doesn’t seem to add up. .
However, it’s important to mention that it’s not all “doom and gloom”, there is room for change, keeping yourself informed and realizing that there are ways to help some great organizations which are doing great things.
There may always be issues with people, and with homelessness, but working together and trying to build solutions, rather than passing by on the other side has got to be a better answer.
Stephen Walker gives a personal view
Agencies that can help
Liverpool City Council
There are a variety of reasons that may mean you are at risk of becoming homeless. We provide a Housing Options Service which will help you deal with these and other problems, and help you remain in your home.
The Housing Options Service can be reached via any One Stop Shop or by phoning Careline on 0151 233 3800 (Freephone 0800 731 6844).
http://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-at-risk/
The Whitechapel Centre
Langsdale Street
Liverpool L3 8DU
Tel: 0151 207 7617
Email [email protected]
http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk
The Basement Advisory Centre
56-60 Parr Street
Liverpool L1 4JN
Tel : 0151 707 1515
www.the-basement.org.uk
Bay TV Liverpool got an insight into lives of some of the city's rough sleepers when they paid a visit to The Basement in Parr Street which offers support to as many sixty people each day.
Video clip: www.baytvliverpool.co.uk/vod/?vid=KBV51027d8f6bbf
HOMELESSNESS
FACT BOX
Homelessness-
What is it?
• On average homeless people die at just 47 years of age
• 97% of homeless people want to work, but only 2% are in full time work
• The main cause of homelessness is relationship breakdown
• Homeless people are 13 times more likely to be a victim of violence
• 5478 people slept rough on the streets of London last year