From CRISIS

At times it can be confusing when different terms are used to discuss homelessness whether in the news, by politicians or by good causes like Crisis. We want to clear things up, so today we’re talking about housing insecurity. 

What is housing insecurity and how does it link to homelessness? What causes it? Hear from Mohammad who was supported out of housing insecurity and homelessness by Crisis, and how Crisis is responding across the country.

What is housing insecurity?

People who are experiencing housing insecurity don’t have the stability of a settled home. They may have a home now, but pressures are putting their home at risk.

With the right support at the right time, those of us experiencing housing insecurity can be prevented from becoming homeless. Though many of us aren’t getting the support we need and are being forced into homelessness.  

People living in temporary accommodation such as a hotel or being threatened with eviction because of unaffordable rent, are all experiencing housing insecurity.

 What causes housing insecurity?

Right now, the cost of living, rising rents and lack of truly affordable homes are making it harder for us to have the safe, secure home we all need. Some of us are under even more pressure. People who are living in poverty or who have support needs, like a mental health condition, are being pushed closer to the brink of homelessness.

Mohammad’s experience of housing insecurity
Mohammad came to the UK fleeing war.

“Before I was a refugee, I was an asylum seeker, and I was living at the Home Office accommodation. When I received the positive answer that my status had become a refugee, I then received a written letter from the Home Office that I shall leave the hotel within two weeks.”
“I applied on the council system for accommodation as a homeless [person] and they generated me an automatic serial number. And the council said that you are single, you are not a priority.” 

When Mohammad didn’t receive the support needed as his caseworker from the council didn’t get in touch in time, Mohammad was forced into homelessness.

We were able to help Mohammad find a home within a month, and you can read his full story.

How Crisis supported Mohammad

How Crisis is responding

So many people are affected by housing insecurity like Mohammad. Stable, secure homes allow us all to be healthy, build our lives and thrive.

Our frontline teams advocate on behalf of our members, helping them to navigate an often complex housing system. They help explain people’s rights, chase local authorities, challenge council decisions, and provide support with documentation and paperwork.

Last year, we saw a 25% increase in the number of people approaching our services in need of homelessness support across the country. Our Skylight centre in Brent has seen the sharpest increase in demand for its services with 44% more people seeking support.

Sky News recently went behind the scenes to see how our team in Brent works with people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Go behind the scenes

With housing insecurity and homelessness increasing, we will continue to fight for the policy changes needed to to solve homelessness once and for all in Britain.

Whichever way you support Crisis, you are contributing to this work. Thank you.

All the best,
David Copsey
Supporter Engagement