Homeless Charities Forced To Turn Young People Away

Nearly half of the country’s homeless agencies have had to turn away young people seeking help because their “resources are fully stretched”. A survey conducted by Homeless Link – the umbrella organisation for the country’s homeless charities – also reveals that nearly half of agencies and councils have experienced a rise in the number of young people requiring their services. More than half of homeless agencies (52 per cent) have experienced closures or threats of closure to youth services in their area. The report, “Young and Homeless” – a survey of 79 homeless charities and 108 local authority housing services - reveals that the number one cause for homelessness among this age group is relationship breakdowns with family and friends, and warns that cases of this have increased. More than 70 per cent of local authorities said they had no shared private sector accommodation for young people, despite this being the only option for young people on housing benefit. Download a copy of the report from the Homeless Link website.