Women and homelessness

The current pandemic and the rise in the number of women experiencing domestic abuse, including financial and psychological, is contributing to even more women in our societies no longer having a place to call home. Sue Langley, CEO of the homelessness preventing charity, The Bridge (East Midlands), has some insights.

Homelessness figures are a stark reminder that our society has gaping holes in its system. At an all-time high, and with the figures continuously rising for women and mothers, this inadequacy to care for the most vulnerable in our society is woeful.

The ‘Rough sleeping snapshot in England’ released by the government in February last year revealed that out of 2,688 people sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2020, 377 of them were women. Whilst this figure is significantly lower than the homeless male population (as not all women sleeping rough are being counted), these figures do not reflect the ‘hidden’ homeless.

Sue said: “Women without a place to call home often hide at night when such surveys are counted. Therefore, the statistics tend not to be accurate, as due to the hostile street living environment, women are harder to reach. They are, in reality, hiding from danger.

“Additionally, women who are in refuges that have fled domestic abuse may not be included in official figures, although this is obviously temporary accommodation and not a permanent home.”

Women fleeing abuse in their own homes report the need to seek temporary accommodation, which isn’t always immediately available, or forthcoming – especially for those with refugee status.

“Women don’t always feel safe in their own homes – the rise in domestic violence during the lockdowns over the last two years has seen a subsequent increase in women fleeing their homes. Whilst there might be limited temporary accommodation available, there is often a gap in time as they wait, and they can slip in and out of rough sleeping.”

The gender pay gap, whilst tightening, is still there – with women earning on average 6.5% less than men, according to government statistics recorded in 20192020. This puts women in a more financially compromised position and at a greater risk of falling into rent arrears, and food and energy poverty, therefore resulting in a greater risk of homelessness.

“Empowerment is one of our five values at The Bridge, and so is a continual important message that we embed within our equality and diversity practices. It can be especially difficult for women without hope to feel like there’s a way out when there are still so many inequalities in our society.”

Meeting the needs of society, charities like The Bridge are doing all they can, to adapt and provide long term support as a way out and by way of attempting to rebalance the inequality.

“Our awareness of societal needs informs the way in which we support people individually, and we look at ways to address this imbalance – that’s where we will make lasting impact.”

With over 79% of The Bridge workforce being women, Sue explains that they are well-positioned to promote women’s rights. “Sometimes it’s not about statistics, it’s about the many experiences we have as women in society that impact the way we want to support other women. Put simply, inequality adds up, and it informs how we want to address that inequality amongst the community, by advocating for long term change.”

To highlight further change needed, Sue explains the importance of building a strong community. “Early intervention and prevention of homelessness with the help of community is vital. We currently have a growing group of local Leicestershire businesses who are joining our TheBridge2Collaboration network, which is encouraging, as local people want to be part of the repair of our society.”

To join TheBridge2Collaboration network, contact TB2C@thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk.

The rise in domestic violence during the lockdowns has seen a subsequent increase in women fleeing their homes

The Bridge (East Midlands)