In its manifesto, the Conservative party committed to end rough sleeping by 2024. However, despite this pledge, there is a continued strain on the system with growing numbers of people approaching councils and other organisations for help with homelessness.
Recent government figures showed that:
- 24,060 households were threatened with homelessness in England as a result of a Section 21 no-fault eviction in 2022 – a 50 percent increase on 2021
- 290,330 households faced homelessness in 2022 in England – a rise of six percent compared to the year before
Similarly, government statistics released earlier this year showed that an estimated 3,069 people were sleeping rough – a 26 percent annual increase.
Statistics released at the start of 2023 by Shelter show that one in every 208 people in the UK is homeless – that’s 271,000 people, including children, without a place to live. The number of people living in temporary accommodation has skyrocketed by 74 per cent over the last decade.
Despite the launch of the ‘Everyone In’ scheme during the Covid pandemic, these figures highlight the lack of affordable homes. In fact, the National Housing Federation estimates that 340,000 new homes need to be built in England each year to keep up with housing demand.
So what can be done? Housing associations, local authorities and homelessness charities are buckling under the pressure as demand vastly outstrips supply.
Living with mental health issues, addiction or at risk of homelessness, can have a huge impact on a person’s wellbeing. But, providing someone with a home and the right level of support can make a huge difference.
A home is so much more than just a roof over a person’s head. Indeed, the Housing First model states that housing is a fundamental human right.
Unsurprisingly then, the correlation between a person’s mental wellbeing and the quality of their home is staggering. According to Shelter, one in five people has experienced mental health issues as a result of housing.
Yet, while focus lies on the identified need for new homes, hundreds of disused buildings are lying empty and/or derelict across the country. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year put the number of empty homes in England at 648,114. That number is likely to have increased in 2023.
Surely this is where the answer lies? Surely, these properties offer up a key opportunity to help tackle the housing crisis?
National Housing Group (NHG) was founded to combat the housing crisis and homelessness. Working specifically with local authorities, housing associations and charities, NHG collaboratively provides social housing for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
By repurposing these buildings and developing them above industry standard, social housing can be created which not national housinonly provides a safe, stable environment for vulnerable adults, but also benefits local areas by pulling these properties out of disrepair.
In doing so, it not only improves the aesthetics but also health and safety standards, thereby reducing the overall risk associated with those properties.
By salvaging disused properties, NHG has housed more than 150 people in high-quality social housing over the past three years.
In addition, by providing high quality and above-industry-standard homes, NHG is also committed to reducing the cost of living for residents and helping the Government on its way to net 0 by 2050.
With Part L of the building regulations coming into effect on 15th June 2023, and the Future Homes Standard coming into force by 2025, the pledge to reduce carbon emissions is front and centre within any development.
NHG is supporting net zero by 2050 with its Green Homes Initiative, which aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and prevent fuel poverty.
By ensuring properties are as energy and cost efficient as possible, this has a significant impact on the energy consumed by these properties, thereby positively impacting the cost of living for those who live in them.
Installing environmentally friendly features such as double glazing, electric Ecostrad radiators, energy efficient appliances, and solar panels, could save residents up to half on their energy bills. It is estimated that just over two thirds of the energy generated will be used directly by them, with the remaining energy being fed back into the grid, hence the savings.
Not only is this necessary to comply with legislation, but it also provides benefits to the residents, with energy generated being used directly by them – thereby saving money – or being fed back into the national grid.
For those who were formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness prior to moving into the property, this financial saving could be huge for them.
Giving people a secure place to live not only offers them stability, protection and a safe haven, it has been proven to increase self-worth and both mental and physical health.
Seb, 42, had been in temporary accommodation and was at risk of homelessness. But since moving into Faringdon Lodge, formerly a disused care home renovated by NHG, he now has a stable home, supportive and understanding staff and local access to support groups.
Despite living with poor mental health which has seen him hospitalised, a spinal fracture which he is currently recovering from and regular seizures caused by an alcohol dependency which began when he was 14, with the ongoing support he now receives, Seb wants to get sober and eventually become a member of staff at Faringdon Lodge and support others in a similar situation.
Similarly, mental illness has made day-to-day living difficult for Lyndsay. She lives at Mawney Road; two neighbouring properties which were transformed by NHG into safe homes for members of the community who need extra support, which is provided by a local housing association.
The support staff at Mawney Road provide residents with daily support to help them become more independent. This includes mental health advice, access to counselling, financial assistance and even daily jobs like shopping or cleaning if it’s needed. Lyndsay’s journey has been tough, but a stable home and compassionate support are making all the difference.
Once the properties are repurposed and refurbished, management is handed over from NHG to either the local authority or charity, which is where the element of specialised support comes in. As a landlord, NHG is always on hand to maintain the properties but it is the charities and local authorities who work together to house people and look after them in the way they need. In doing so, the local authorities and/or charities are able to ensure that these safe environments are working for the benefit of those who live in them, especially those who may need extra support to live as independently as possible.
With all this in mind, the rising number of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, requires immediate action and effective solutions.
While the wait for suitable housing is resulting in ever-growing waiting lists, by repurposing existing properties, suitable and safe housing can be created for those who need it most. While the government’s pledge to end rough sleeping by 2024 has fallen short, it is clear that organisations like NHG are taking proactive steps to create safe, high-quality social housing for those who need it most.
By addressing the lack of affordable homes and prioritising energy efficiency, they not only provide stability and support to vulnerable individuals but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. It is crucial that housing continues to be a priority as a fundamental human right and organisations across the country continue to work together to ensure that everyone has a secure place to call home.