Impact of homelessness

A Homeless Health Needs Audit carried out by Homeless Link in 2022 revealed a grave picture of the physical health of people experiencing homelessness:

• 78% have a physical health condition
• 48% have two – four health conditions and 18% have five- ten diagnoses
• 63% have a long-term illness, disability or infirmity
• 36% have dental problems
• 71% are taking prescribed medication
• 33% only eat one meal a day, 49% eat two meals and only 18% eat three meals a day
• 28% experience moderate to severe sleep deprivation due to their unstable living conditions

Research into the mental health of people who are homeless was also very bleak:

• 82% have a mental health diagnosis
• 66% have two or more mental health conditions
• 72% experience depression and 60% have anxiety
• 25–30% have a severe mental illness such as major depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• 45% of homeless people with a mental health condition self-medicate with drugs/alcohol
• Suicide rates are nine times higher for people who are homeless

Because people who are homeless experience barriers to accessing healthcare, they are over reliant on emergency health care services:

• 48% have visited A&E and 38% were admitted to hospital in the last year
• 28% were admitted due to a mental health condition, self-harm or attempted suicide
• 24% were discharged to the streets and 22% discharged into unsuitable accommodation

The National Office of Statistics found the average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 45 for men and 43 for women.

Research by Crisis found that two thirds of people who are homeless cited substance use as a cause of them first becoming homeless. For many people, it is also a result of homelessness as they use drugs and alcohol in response to the physical conditions and emotional trauma:

• 54% of people who are homeless use drugs
• 41% use cannabis; 22% use crack, cocaine and/or heroin
• 38% say they have, or are in recovery from, a drug problem
• 29% say they have, or are in recovery from, an alcohol problem
• 25% have a dual-diagnosis of a mental health condition and a drug/alcohol problem

Trauma has been identified as a direct cause of homelessness, and homelessness is a trauma in itself. 38% of people reported trauma as a result of being homeless, due to hunger, fear, vulnerability, violence, exploitation, stigma, poor physical health, addiction, loss and isolation.

A lack of safety, security and support networks means that people who are homeless are extremely vulnerable to violence, crime and exploitation. This is particularly true for rough sleepers. People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence while homeless:

• 35% were deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence
• 34% had things thrown at them whilst homeless (34%)
• 9% were urinated on
• 7% were sexually assaulted
• 48% were intimidated or threatened with violence
• 59% were verbally abused or harassed

Homelessness is a barrier to accessing employment, education and training. In turn, lack of employment makes it harder to gain and maintain permanent accommodation.

People who are employed and homeless find self-care extremely difficult, increasing stress and anxiety and reducing ability to work. The lack of security and a settled home to come home to after work reduces energy and motivation to work or to pursue a route to permanent housing.

Employees often feel forced to conceal that they are homeless due to stigma and shame. A YouGov survey found that 40% of employers were unaware that it’s legal to hire someone homeless. They also admitted they would likely fire an employee if they became homeless. A fifth were concerned hiring someone who was homeless would have a negative impact on other employees. 44% of employers do not have any policies to support employees experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness and its causes and effects are all intertwined. The factors listed impact and aggravate each other, creating complex needs. This prevents people from accessing support if they do not meet narrow criteria prescribed by statutory services, are isolated by physical or mental health problems or are excluded by stigma or discrimination.

Evidence shows that with the right support at the right time, people can escape the chaos of multiple disadvantage. With sustainable support based on trust, empowerment and personalised planning, people can engage effectively with services and treatment to overcome their challenges.

People need headspace and stability to address deep-seated, complex issues. A safe place to call home provides people with a sanctuary from the outside world, enables them to put down roots and establish a support network in their community. The security of a settled home environment and basic needs such as food, sanitation and fuel are essential for people to successfully engage with support services and move towards a positive future.