What is homelessness?

Youth homelessness 

Youth homelessness is rarely just a housing issue. It often follows family breakdown, abuse, leaving care, or struggles with mental health. Many young people end up sofa-surfing or sleeping rough without the life skills or resources to cope.

We believe the only way to end homelessness is to start by ending youth homelessness. Many people on the streets today were homeless as young people. By stepping in early, we can stop today’s homeless young people from becoming tomorrow’s homeless adults.

Women and homelessness 

The causes of homelessness for women are often very different to those for men. Many women who experience homelessness have also experienced trauma. That means they need specialist, gender-sensitive support to leave homelessness behind. 

Key causes include: 

• Domestic abuse: the biggest cause of homelessness for women, forcing many to flee with nowhere safe to go. 

• Historical abuse and trauma: experiences in childhood or early life can lead to poor mental health and instability without the right support. 

• Economic disadvantage: low pay, insecure work and welfare cuts leave many women unable to afford rent and essentials. 

Children: the hidden victims

Children are deeply affected by homelessness. It impacts their health, education and sense of security. For families, the main causes are the same as for women: domestic abuse, poverty and breakdowns in support. Without early, stable help, the effects can last a lifetime. 

What makes the difference?

Ending homelessness takes more than housing. It means: 

• trauma-informed emotional and practical support 

• financial and life-skills coaching 

• safe, specialist services for survivors of abuse 

• routes back into education and work. 

With the right support, people can move on from homelessness and build safe, independent futures.