Reduce rates of homelessness among refugees and reduce rates of mental heath problems among refugees

As part of the dispersal system Asylum Seekers are sent all over the country, having no choice on where they live. The housing provided is generally in terrible conditions, with many people having to share bedrooms with people who are complete strangers and are expected to survive on £35 per week. Once an Asylum Seeker has been granted refugee status they are then forced out of their NASS housing, having no means of support and are often left homeless.

Housing is a basic human right, however, it is no secret that the UK is amidst a major housing crisis. Millions of people are unable to access decent housing at an affordable price. With housing costs continuing to increase, many individuals and families are pushed into overcrowded situations, and into poverty. Hundreds of thousands of houses are required to be built each year in order to resolve homelessness, affordability and overcrowding issues. A shelter report found that ¼ of people have had to reduce the amount of money they spend on food, in order to cover their housing costs and avoid rental arrears. With house prices rising, many are unable to move away from the private rented sector towards home ownership, and therefore affordable housing is crucial to support the livelihood of millions. In 2019, over 10,000 people were homed in temporary accommodation due to their inability to afford the costs associated with housing. Despite this, not nearly enough affordable, or social housing was built to relieve this number. It is essential that adequate funding is given to allow Local Authorities to take control, and build enough social and affordable housing within their area to alleviate this issue, while supporting sustainable growth within the community.

Homelessness is a national scale problem in the 21st century so I'm seeking for the help of funds to identify and help those currently in need. Also to prevent homelessness being seen and chosen as the only alternative. Please sign the petition today so men, women and children no longer have to go through this during a global pandemic.

Many women are suffering from domestic violence that is not always physical, they do not always come with visible scars. Having a home where they can feel safe can help them pick up where they left off and set them on the right path. I have had many close friends affected by this where they lose a place they call home due to it not being safe for them anymore. Left with nothing as their home was a place of security representing a family.

Understanding the issues that lead to rough sleeping and being able to address them before people are forced to sleep on our streets allows problems to be caught early and have people put into adequate accommodation The rough sleeping figure has increased by 141% since 2010 and more needs to be done to ensure this figure does not rise anymore According to Crisis, effective early interventions reduce the personal and financial cost of homelessness. Cost of rough sleeping for 12 months (£20,128) vs cost of successful intervention (£1,426) (At What Cost, 2015). Preventing Homelessness early benefits all parties!

1) Rough sleeping Since 2019 within the Uk there has been a drastic surge in rough sleepers with an increase of 169% over the last 10 years. (Butler, 2018) Often these individuals are prone to the harsh environment of the outside world and suffer from extreme mental and physical issues. 2) Statutory homelessness Only those with priority need get access to secure accommodation, i.e., pregnant women. Local authorities in the UK do not legally have to secure single homeless people and couples without children. LETS CHANGE THIS! 3) Hidden Homeless Currently within the UK we still see many people that are considered homeless that use hotels, friends and families as a means to get a roof over their head. (Reeve, 2018) However without this then where would they go? These are the disguised and often most vulnerable societal group as they are out of sight and unable to be helped (Foster, 2017). We cant allow these people to suffer anymore! Real change happens when everyday people like you and I come together and stand up for what we believe in. Together we can reach heaps of people and help create change around this important issue. Lets sign this petition TOGETHER to raise awareness about our homeless and help give aid to those who NEED IT!!

Homeless people deserve human rights

Homeless people are one of the most vulnerable parts of our society. The UK government provided funding to accommodate them during the crisis. It would be inhumane to stop the funding now and send them on the streets again.

Rough sleepers deserve a roof over their heads just like all other members of society. The problem of rough sleeping is only likely to get worse in the future with the forthcoming recession/depression

Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness, and is a huge problem in the UK. In 2019, 4,266 individuals were recorded as rough sleeping, following the street counts. This was an increase of 165% compared with 2010 figures. As the street counts are only conducted during one night in November, many individuals are miss-counted. Therefore, the true extent of rough sleeping is unknown. The individuals who are miss-counted, are 'the hidden homeless'. Sleeping on the streets is no way to live, and it shouldn’t be happening in 2020. For example, it has been found by the NHS, that sleeping rough has detrimental effects on both mental, and physical health, which is also proving costly to the health services. In order to reduce the strain on the health services, rough sleepers in the UK need to be housed in some form of accommodation, that is fit for living in. Doing so could help re-introduce these vulnerable individuals into society, which could have significant economic benefits within the UK. Individuals rough sleeping are human too, and deserve to be treated in the same respect as the rest of society. Rough sleeping is an issue which is repeatedly swept under the carpet, and is not going away. We need to act fast to deliver homes to individuals rough sleeping, and in turn eliminate rough sleeping in the UK.

People have lost jobs and live in flats managed by companies who charge annual service charge over £2,000. When people become unemployed and cannot pay, they are taken to court and could lose their home. This is unacceptable and the government need to provide financial help to pay these charges by way of grants. The local councils only help with discretionary housing payments for people who rent. I own my property and cannot get help to pay my service charges even though I'm now unemployed. Home owners such as myself need help to pay their service charge and they need it now.