By Liv Woolf
A charity which runs a shelter for the homeless in Leicester has embarked on a five-year strategy to tackle the problems in the city.
Action Homeless said the success of the shelter and services it runs from Ridgeway House in Little Hill, Wigston, is growing.
Employee Eilidh Stringer said the charity has been able to accommodate 400 people a year but is facing issues with affordable accommodation.
Temporary accommodation is offered to relieve immediate issues but Action Homeless aims to help people find and move into a permanent home. However, the high costs of renting in Leicester makes that difficult.
“Leicester is an expensive city to rent with only 8 per cent of people in the private sector being able to afford properties,” said Eilidh.
“Only 3 per cent of people on low income can afford rent in Leicester.”
Action Homeless is in the first year of a five-year strategy to challenge homelessness, focusing on tackling three main pillars such as housing, support and connection.
“It’s going well,” said Eilidh.
Eilidh explained the limitations homeless people, and the sector, are facing due to the rise in the number of families becoming homeless as well as a significant higher demand from single people.
Poor mental and physical health are two huge issues correlating to increased deaths in homelessness.
Eilidh said: “I’m glad to say it’s fairly rare to have results in deaths and they do everything can to prevent it but it is incredibly sad.
“Winter months cause more coverage as the public are more sympathetic so [the problem of homelessness] gains more attention. However, the levels never change, it’s just more dangerous due to the decrease in temperature.”
Another issue Action Homeless is facing is the stereotypical labels put on homeless people making it harder to support them.
“It’s difficult due to misconceptions the general public have, and they believe they are to blame for their situation,” said Eilidh, “but people face a lot of traumas which are what led to things going wrong.”
She said homeless people can struggle with mental health and need support, however they are not necessarily receiving it due to other people’s stereotyping and opinions.
Action Homeless aims to get homeless people’s voices heard, letting them share their experiences and connect. It has set up a community lounge which is open for people to go to social events and workshops allowing them to talk and meet new people.
Eilidh said it is a warm and social place for people during the day, allowing them to socialise and connect.
To find out more about homelessness and how to help/donate visit www.actionhomeless.org.uk/