Supporting Women’s History Awareness Month
The harsh truth is that the number of women facing street homelessness is on the rise and more needs to be done to protect them. Sadly recent statistics from the Government show that only 15% of the street homeless in the UK are female, but this is not an accurate figure.
WHY?
Many women are not included in the data for the following reasons:
- Moving on from place to place very quickly when street homeless, sometimes walking all night. Being a woman on the street is a very scary, vulnerable place to be, so many women do not feel safe staying in one spot.
- Staying in fast food restaurants and using night bus services – anything to keep off the street and on the move.
- Taking offers of unsafe overnight accommodation for the wrong reasons, as so vulnerable – therefore being hidden and not included in the data
- Some women even dress as men and cover their faces, pretending to be someone else, as they may be escaping domestic violence.
- There are so many reasons why women street homelessness is hidden. The actual figure is likely to be that more than 40% of street homeless are female.
CENS and Female Admissions
In the last year alone we have had 17 female admissions, 15 of whom we have helped to rehome. A fantastic positive outcome. Here at CENS we see that one of the main contributing factors leading to homelessness for women is a relationship breakdown. There are many factors leading to a relationship breakdown, which can leave women feeling helpless and turning to the streets. This needs to change.
Latest CENS Statistics Chart on Female Admissions
This Chart Below Represents All (Male and Female) Reasons For Recent Admissions
Which Again Shows Relationship Breakdown as the Main Cause of Homelessness.
What Can You Do To Help?
- Tell women who are about to become homeless or who are street homeless about CENS.
- Ask them to register themselves on StreetLink – StreetLink are an outreach team who go out at night to help the street homeless, and get them into temporary accommodation.
- Donate to your local homeless shelter – CENS is the only night shelter providing emergency accommodation to those that find themselves street homeless in Colchester. To donate visit here.
- Direct them to their local authority which in this area will be Colchester Borough Council. Click here for homelessness assistance from Colchester Borough Council.
Remember, if you find yourself homeless, you are not alone. There are people who are ready to help you find somewhere safe to stay, offer advice and support and give you the tools you need to get back on track. Homelessness can affect anyone at anytime. To get help now visit CENS Homeless Hub.
