A person is homeless unless they have accommodation in the UK or elsewhere that is reasonable for them to continue to occupy. The term 'homeless' can be used to describe, amongst others, people who are threatened with homelessness within 28 days; people who cannot gain access to their home or stay in their home due to threat of violence; or people who only have access to emergency accommodation such as refuges.
Anyone can be affected by homelessness: families, single people, couples without children, young people, and older people.
There are a number of factors that can cause homelessness or increase the risk of homelessness. These include:
- Breakdown of relationships, for example marital or family relationships
- Mental health problems Housing shortages
- Rent or mortgage arrears
- Drug or alcohol problems
- Time spent in care
- Unemployment
- Learning difficulties
- Experience of physical or sexual abuse
- Previous service in the armed forces
In Sheffield in 2001/02, there were 3644 applications made to the Sheffield City Council Homeless Service; in 2002/03 this had risen to 6612. The City Council developed a Homeless Strategy for 2003-2008 which aims to:
-
Prevent people becoming homeless through the provision of appropriate
intervention, information and support.
-
Enable homeless people to access accommodation and support.
The council aims to achieve this in Sheffield by:
- Taking a partnership approach and working together with statutory and
voluntary sector agencies.
- Involving service users through consultation.
- Using an evidence-based approach to inform policy and service development.
- Co-ordination with other local and national agendas.
- Promoting social inclusion and independence, empowering individuals to
lead positive and productive lives.
- Developing and monitoring action plans that are achievable and deliverable.
For further information about Sheffield City Council's Homeless Strategy, visit their website at www.sheffield.gov.uk
For a list of agencies and organisations working with the homeless in Sheffield, click here |
