There is often no single cause and no simple solution.

Homelessness has been a growing issue for a number of years, and there are many types of poverty ranging from lack of material resources to the lack of positive relationships and support networks. But of perhaps greatest long term importance is often a lack of identity and purpose, including both the spiritual as well as the physical.

The BANES Rough Sleeper Count found 25 people sleeping in doorways or on the streets in 2016, in 2017 this number had risen to 34 and in 2018 it was 20. These statistics are an estimate, most likely a significant underestimate, and do not account for the many more ‘hidden’ homeless people: those sleeping in night shelters, at friends houses, at B&B’s, or in temporary accommodation.

Structural factors such as benefits, housing and job shortages, as well as personal circumstances such as addiction, debt, and relationship breakdown, can cause and exacerbate homelessness, poverty and hunger.

These risk factors can also have a negative impact on mental health. Therefore, the individuals and families that we support often face multiple, complex needs and we are already seeing the COVID-19 pandemic worsen the mental health of many of our existing clients.

At our Gateway Centre, where we offer one-to-one appointments for rough sleepers, we see approximately 8 visits three days a week to access a hot drink, clothing or bedding, as well as a shower and laundry facilities. Our visitors are both men and women, of all different ages and backgrounds. The reasons for their situations differ greatly.