Solutions to overcome homelessness

Homelessness and some of the related issues are often covered in the news. We know it is increasing and we know that there are not enough suitable homes to meet demand. However, a lot is being done to try and find homes for people. In this blog, we will look at solutions to homelessness: what is already being done, and how you can be part of the movement to end homelessness.

Before we get Started

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The current state of homelessness in the UK

The latest government data on homelessness, released in August 2024, shows that 86,520 households in England alone, qualified for homelessness support from their councils between January and March alone. This is the highest number since these records began.

This figure only considers those who have sought help from their local council. The actual number including those who are street homeless, sofa surfing, and living in unsuitable accommodation will be far higher.

Unfortunately, there is not enough suitable social housing to meet current demand. A report commissioned by Shelter shows that fewer than 10,000 new social homes are being built each year compared to 40,000 in 2010 resulting in a net loss of 260,000 homes in the 10 years to 2022.

This results in more people needing to move into private rented houses that may not be affordable or become so, as increased demand drives rental prices up.

There is simply not enough housing available to meet current and increasing demand.

Although the numbers are stark, much is being done at a national and regional level to support anyone experiencing homelessness to find their way home. This includes the government, local councils, charities, and service delivery organisations.

Find out how you can work with us to help end homelessness.

Policy level solutions to end homelessness

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 sets out what councils in England are legally required to do to help people experiencing homelessness. The law states that all people can get help from their council – not just those deemed a priority. Councils must try to prevent homelessness in the first place, and families will still be housed by councils if that’s what’s best for them. Unfortunately, the lack of available funding has meant that many councils are limited to how much support they can provide to people experiencing homelessness.

Managing support to prevent homelessness is devolved to the governments in each nation across the UK. In the past, the laws were very similar, but they are becoming increasingly different as each government brings in its own changes.

Read on to find out what solutions to homelessness are in place.

Examples of policy level solutions to end homelessness

The government’s Homelessness Prevention Grant was launched in December 2021, It was established to support households in England who are considered to be homeless or at risk of losing their home. The grant, which is available via local Councils was set up to help people find a new home, access support for unexpected evictions and secure temporary accommodation where needed.

The £316 million funding was allocated to all councils responsible for housing in England based on local homelessness need in individual areas. The funding also included an additional £5.8 million to support people forced into homelessness by domestic abuse. A further £50 million was allocated to councils in 20-2023 and £109 million in February 2024 to specifically support Ukrainians into settled accommodation.

The Welsh government launched a 5-year high-level action plan in 2021. The plan includes two key actions which will be critical to ending homelessness through a commitment to fundamentally reform homelessness services to focus on prevention and rapid rehousing and building 20,000 new low carbon social homes for rent.

The government in Scotland launched the Ending Homelessness Together action plan and invested £10 million to improve the system and deliver the plan. Unlike the rest of the UK, all those assessed as homeless by local authorities in Scotland have a right to accommodation. You can read more on homelessness prevention in Scotland.

In March 2022 the Housing Executive in Northern Ireland published ‘Ending Homelessness Together – Homelessness Strategy 2022-27‘ The strategy reflects the continued need for the Housing Executive to work with our partners across the sector to address the varied and complex factors that lead to homelessness, many of which extend beyond the provision of accommodation.

Despite some positive changes, brought about by government solutions to homelessness, it may only be those that are deemed most vulnerable who are given priority. So, many people still go without or have to wait long periods for support. So it seems that with changes in policy alone, it is not possible to end homelessness.

Frontline solutions to end homelessness

There are many frontline organisations involved in supporting people who are experiencing homelessness. These range from specialist staff in housing and healthcare settings and charities.

Below, we look at some examples of the different solutions to homelessness being offered.

Examples of frontline solutions to homelessness

Support workers at often very small organisations provide shelter and work to get people into temporary accommodation to prevent them living on the streets or in unsuitable conditions while they try to secure alternative housing. Unfortunately, many of these services have faced or are facing cuts to the funding they receive from councils.

There are other organisations such the Connection at St Martin’s, which is supported by us, that provide a day centre for people rough sleeping in Central London. They offer a range of practical solutions such as showers, washing machines, and free hot meals. They also offer additional support such as access to healthcare professionals and immigration specialists.

Unfortunately, people experiencing homelessness may also have complex health needs and may end up in A&E or needing additional support from the NHS. This is one of the hidden costs of homelessness.

Charity level solutions to end homelessness

With funding from the government and councils reducing, it often lands with the charitable sector to provide the required support.

Grant-making charities such as St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity provide the funding required to continue to support people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

Through the Frontline Fund, St Martin’s Charity funds six projects across the four nations to support individuals who could be at risk of homelessness, to meet their specific needs. We fund a further three organisations which offer specialist mental health services through our Mental Health Fund.

People working on the frontline of homelessness are working in extremely challenging circumstances. High caseloads, unavailability of services, and lack of suitable housing are making it increasingly difficult for them to do their job.

The Frontline Network was set up to enable frontline staff to provide the best possible support by:

• Sharing the brightest ideas, best practices, and experience through professional networks and events across the UK.
• Amplifying their voice, so their expertise is considered at a national level and in all policy decisions about housing and homelessness.

By supporting the work of homelessness charities such as St Martin’s Charity, you can make a difference to those experiencing homelessness and those supporting them.

You can be part of the movement on how to help end homelessness

Examples of charity level solutions to homelessness

Many charities working in the homelessness sector provide direct services to people who are facing homelessness. St Martin’s Charity is one of a small number of charities providing emergency grants to individuals who need to find a home urgently.

Others use their position to work with decision-makers and funders to effect change, enabling solutions to homelessness to be implemented.

Regardless of the service being offered, they are all looking at how to help end homelessness.