Homelessness

Homelessness in the UK

 

 

 

 

In recent years, homelessness has increased in the United Kingdom which can have an effect on the country. It is believed that homelessness has a major impact globally and its serious situation can lead to future crimes being committed such as kidnapping, murder, robbery and mugging in order to have money. This essay will explore the world of homelessness and discover the reasons, causes and then make suggestions about how to reduce the number of homeless people.


Most people think that of homelessness as not having a home, however, you can be homeless if you are staying with a friend or living in a squat(Shelter, 2014). Other example for homelessness include staying in a hostel or night shelter, living in very over crowded conditions, being at risk of abuse in the home and living in poor conditions which can effect health(ibid).



Shelter (2014) argue that people can become homeless due to different reasons affecting their lives. An individual can be affected by homelessness if they are leaving care or prison, pregnant and with  no where to stay, responsible for children, living on benefits or a law income or an asylum seeker or refugee.


 Shelter House (2007) Look at solutions to prevent homelessness and list them under three components: housing, money and support services. In regards to housing, Shelter House state that it must be affordable and adequate. A homeless person may need to relocate to a more affordable area. When looking at money, the individual needs to ensure they are working or have a pension or government help. Budgeting will also help to control their spending. Support services such as health, mental health and addictions are just an important as their state of well being to be cared for. Therefore, the UK government should provide houses to prevent homeless people and supply to them services support and finical support. However, according to Windy Wilson(2013) providing accommodation for homeless people is not the responsibility of the government. Citizens have to work and prevent themselves form being homeless, interestingly, she added that unless they are a couple with children that would be their responsibility.

 

In conclusion, it can be seen that there are many reasons to be homeless such as, leaving care or prison. It might be one of the best remediation is to provide support services which will help them to overcome some of their issues. It would be a great idea if the government would build a hostel for these people who are suffering from homelessness and lack of money and food, in order to reduce the percentage of homelessness in the United Kingdom.


References:-

Shelter (2014) What is homelessness. Available at: < http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/homelessness_-_an_introduction/what_is_homelessness > Accessed at: (20th March 2014).


Shelter House (2007) Solutions, the Solutions. Available at: < http://www.shelterhouse.on.ca/article/solutions-146.asp > Accessed at: (20th March 2014).

Windy Wilson (2013) Homelessness in England. Available at: < http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFsQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parliament.uk%2Fbriefing-papers%2Fsn01164.pdf&ei=2O0qU76LA86R0QX0-oD4Dw&usg=AFQjCNEDkq5ulRC4NzIgt08M2Cnj5JEKXA&sig2=bpvelYqrThoIAJ8R--N0ew > Accessed at: < (20th March 2014).