| Abstract: |
Aims and topics
nThis research focused on the experiences and needs of single homeless women, a group often considered to be neglected in homelessness literature and policy. The report reviewed current knowledge about single homeless women and examined current service provision and gaps in this provision. It reported findings on women's routes into homelessness; their expectations and awareness of help available; their use of advice and support agencies; their experiences of temporary accommodation and mixed-sex accommodation; the support they needed to move on into independent living; and their experiences of resettlement into permanent accommodation.
nThe research was funded by the Housing Corporation in partnership with other agencies working with homeless women. It aimed:
n* to investigate and promote the housing and support needs and options for single homeless women; and
n* to identify good practice and promote the development of strategies for meeting the needs of these women.
nKey findings and recommendations
n* Women's reasons for becoming homeless varied, but for the majority, a relationship breakdown with their family or partner had led to their leaving home.
n* When women became homeless, they lacked knowledge about available sources of advice and support. Experience of advice services was often unsatisfactory, and services agreed that their support work was hindered by the lack of suitable accommodation or services targeted at meeting women's needs.
n* Direct access to temporary accommodation was often not possible, and lack of resources meant that many housing providers had low staffing levels and were unable to employ resettlement workers and life skills trainers.
n* Several difficulties could emerge in mixed-sex accommodation, particularly where women were in the minority, including sexual and financial exploitation.
n* Special concerns arose for housing single homeless women who were pregnant or who wanted to re-establish contact with their children.
n* Support and guidance were crucial in helping women to move on. Most housing providers operated a key worker system and tried to offer other forms of support including life skills training, group work and preparation for employment. There was concern among providers that some women who were unoccupied during the day were more vulnerable to exploitation and illegal street activity.
nRecommendations for each stage of homelessness, from rough sleeping through to resettlement in independent, permanent accommodation were clearly presented throughout the report. These recommendations covered both strategic and operational issues for housing providers and advice and support services, and included:
n* a need for advice and support services to be taken to settings women already use, such as women's health clinics, colleges and schools.
n* the employment of designated women's workers in outreach, support and resettlement services.
n* development of a common application form across housing providers, to reduce bureaucracy and ease women's access to housing services.
n* the provision of shared access to life skills trainers and other support professionals across housing providers.
n* a review of keyworker arrangements and contracts to ensure two-way agreements and understandings between key worker and resident.
n* the encouragement of support networks among newly housed women, for example, through maintaining a register of women recently resettled into permanent accommodation.
nMethods
nThe research was conducted between April and September 1999, and involved:
n* a review of literature on single homeless women
n* 32 interviews with a purposive sample of homeless women, identified through local authorities, housing providers, hostels and advice agencies
n* a survey of a sample of 26 services providing housing to single homeless women across various stages of homelessness, followed up by 25 semi-structured telephone interviews
n* 18 telephone interviews with a sample of support and advice services
n* interviews with a purposive sample of 8 key agencies either operating across boroughs or which maintain an overview of homelessness issues.
n* statistical analysis of available data from advice agencies and local authorities to compare the housing needs and tenancy patterns of women and men.
nLocation
nLocation: Central London (boroughs of Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Islington, Southwark, Lambeth, Hackney)
nGeographical Scope: local
nComments
nThis is an exceptionally thorough and rigorously designed piece of research, with the methods fully documented and explained. The report provides a very useful overview of the housing and support needs of women experiencing various forms and stages of homelessness. It is well-written and highly accessible, and provides a set of very clear and practical recommendations. While the empirical research focused primarily on women, the report draws upon a range of sources to provide gender comparisons. Some, though not all, of the recommendations made will have relevance to homeless men as well as women.
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| Keywords: |
access to housing, advice, advice services, causes, children, employment, experiences, gender, gender differences, good practice, health, hidden homelessness, hostels, housing aspirations, housing needs, local authorities, men, overview, policy, resettlement work, support needs, support services, temporary accommodation, training, voluntary agencies, women |