Housing insecurity and hidden homelessness: research

7 Routes out of hiddenness and/or homelessness

7.1 Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the different routes out of hidden homelessness: either by moving out of homelessness directly or by seeking support and becoming ‘visible’ and supported into stable housing. This chapter is intended to provide context to the research sample and their experience of routes into stable housing. Figure 1 shows the four main routes identified by this research.

1. Direct access to local authority's homelessness service

2. Using third sector or wider support services to access local authority or private rented sector

3. Using informal networks to access local authority or private rented sector

4. Stability in other areas of life to access stable housing

The routes out of hidden homelessness align with the existing international evidence on the routes out of visible homelessness (Pawson et al., 2007).^,[14]

7.2 Direct access to local authority homelessness services

Several third sector participants and local authority participants described direct access to local authority homelessness services as the default route for seeking assistance. They noted that overcoming the barriers they encountered (described in chapter 8) or experiencing changes in their circumstances through turning points (discussed in chapter 9) were important in accessing these services.

One local authority focus group participant mentioned that within their locality, local authority homelessness support services are provided alongside wider statutory support services, such as health and employment, at community hubs. This integrated approach made it easier for people to access the help they needed in one central location and facilitated connections with homelessness services.

7.3 Using third sector or wider support services to access local authority assistance

Most third sector participants reported that when people accessed their services or other statutory support services, their support staff were able to use this interaction to identify the need for homelessness support services.

Those with lived experience who engaged with third sector organisations recounted seeking support for employment, mental health, domestic abuse and the educational needs of children. These organisations were often seen as more approachable than local authorities. Such interactions allowed third sector organisations to build rapport, creating a comfortable environment for people to discuss their concerns.

Once a relationship was established, third sector organisations could then enquire about their housing circumstances. For example, one participant with a physical disability was directed to a homelessness organisation after volunteering with another charity. Additionally, a few participants with lived experience mentioned that once their health deteriorated, they realised they needed to change their housing situation.

One local authority focus group participant noted how effective third sector organisations were in making people aware of their rights and how to apply for homelessness support:

“Having good [third sector relationships] have been quite effective because people are now a bit more aware of their rights and they'll say things like ‘I know I'm allowed to make a homeless application’ which is really good to see because it's important that we uphold people's rights.”

A few third sector participants described alternative approaches to resolving hidden homelessness. One organisation found mediation particularly useful for young people and their families, helping to resolve relationship breakdowns and support a return to the family home.

Some third sector, local authority, and lived experience participants mentioned that wider statutory support services, such as primary care, probation services and social care served as routes to accessing local authority homelessness services. Some people with lived experience highlighted the importance of building positive relationships with these wider services over time – for example, with named support workers. These relationships enabled them to seek advice and assistance and helped them find routes to stable housing.

7.4 Using social networks to make informal arrangements

Some third sector and lived experience participants identified that accessing informal networks was important for some people in finding a route out of homelessness. Informal networks, including social networks and using social media, helped individuals to connect with relevant information and support services. One participant with lived experience shared how they formed social networks that supported them into stable accommodation: “[at] this church that I was attending, [I] befriended like this couple… They actually invited me to go and live with them, so I stayed with them for about two years.”

7.5 The role of life stability in achieving stable housing

Lived experience participants described how finding and maintaining stable employment helped them to access accommodation – for example, by enabling them to save for a deposit for privately rented accommodation. Some people with lived experience found employment opportunities, which included accommodation for the duration of the employment contract. Examples included seasonal and hospitality work, which allowed them to leave their hidden circumstances and move into more stable housing.

For example, one LGBTI participant described a seasonal role in hospitality which provided them with accommodation before securing a place at university with accommodation. They had previously been sofa surfing and living in unsuitable conditions due to a parental relationship breakdown. They shared:

“I'd managed to find accommodation…I did seasonal work [in] the Highlands, I ended up going and working up north and that ended up being my accommodation for about six to nine months.”