Main Causes of Homelessness
The main causes of homelessness include poverty, systemic inequality and discrimination, as well as incomes that fail to keep up with rising rents and the cost of living.
Health Impacts
The homeless population are more susceptible to health problems including those that affect mental health. 41% of homeless people reported a long-term physical health problem and 45% had a diagnosed mental health problem. As a result of this, there is constant pressure on the NHS, resulting in the NHS spending substantial sums of money treating the homeless. The poor health is a result of inability to purchase sanitary products and medications, restricted access to healthy foods and poor living conditions.
Criminal Justice System
As of September 2023, 19,533 individuals had been homeless prior to entering prison, forming nearly 22% of the entire prison population. Moreover, being admitted into prison whilst homeless significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing long-term homelessness upon release. The homeless are already at a disadvantage but when you add a criminal conviction to their record, they are backed into a corner. This results in nearly 79% of prison leavers who had been homeless prior to custody reoffending within their first year of being released
Impact On Children
An estimated 4.2 million children were struggling to make ends meet in the UK in 2021-22. So, what are the effects? Firstly, children haveless access to healthy food and hygiene products which affects their physical health. Secondly, sports and social clubs become less of a priority which can have negative effects on emotional well-being. School also becomes increasingly challenging due to constant moving around and the pressure to wear clean and correct school uniform. This all results in young people feeling self-conscious and judged.