What factors lead to the rising number of homeless people?
The problem of homelessness in the UK has been a topic of debate for many years. The number of people sleeping rough on the streets has been steadily rising since 2010, and there are now an estimated 320,000 homeless people in the country.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to this rise in homelessness. These include:
The lack of affordable housing
The cost of housing has been rising faster than wages for many years, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford a place to live. In London, the average house price is now over £500,000, which is out of reach for most people.
The welfare reforms
The welfare reforms introduced by the government in 2010 have made it harder for people to claim benefits, and have led to a reduction in the amount of money that people receive. This has made it even more difficult for people to afford to keep a roof over their heads.
The mental health crisis
There is a strong link between homelessness and mental health issues. People with mental health problems are more likely to experience homelessness, and they are also more likely to stay homeless for longer periods of time.
The lack of support services
There is a lack of support services available to help homeless people. This includes things like hostels, shelters, and drug and alcohol treatment programs. This makes it difficult for people to get the help they need to get back on their feet.
The problem of homelessness is a complex one, and there is no single solution. However, by addressing the factors that lead to homelessness, we can start to make a difference.
What can be done?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of homelessness. These include:
By taking these steps, we can start to make a difference to the lives of homeless people.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
