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Causes of homelessness
What leads people into homelessness?
As well as the personal and structural risk factors, we now understand the main routes into homelessness. Specific events can precipitate homelessness.
- These ‘triggers’ include:
- relationship breakdown
- domestic violence
- leaving home or care
- leaving institutions (hospital, armed forces, prison)
- the death of a spouse or partner
- getting into debt, especially mortgage or rent arrears
The figures for households accepted as homeless by local authorities in the second quarter of 2006 show the following breakdown of the reasons for homelessness:
| Reason for homelessness | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Relatives/friends no longer able/willing to accommodate | 37% |
| Relationship breakdown | 20% |
| of which violent relationship breakdown | 13% |
| End of assured shorthold tenancy | 14% |
| Mortgage/Rent arrears | 6% |
| Loss of other rented/tied housing | 5% |
| Other | 18% |
Source: DCLG
Many people are not just homeless. There are other complications in their lives that make them more vulnerable. Often these problems are mutually reinforcing and people end up in a downward spiral. Unless they get help at the right time this can leave someone sleeping rough.