Homeless Client Survey Report: Unveiling the Harrowing Realities

Homeless Client Advocacy Survey Report: Unveiling the Harrowing Realities

Over the course of one year between 2022 -2023, I have been asking my Homeless & Housing Advocacy Clients to complete an in-depth survey. 27 people completed the survey with an additional 4 people completing separate surveys for disrepair and domestic abuse.

Join me on this journey as we delve into the survey results and explore the profound impact of homelessness on individuals and their families. Together, we can strive for a more compassionate, inclusive society that offers support, resources, and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their housing situation.

The Client Survey Results

Question 2: Why did you leave this address/become homeless?

The responses to Question 2 regarding the reasons for leaving their previous address and becoming homeless, several common themes and reasons can be identified:

Overcrowding and Relationship Issues: Some respondents mentioned leaving their previous address due to overcrowding in the household, causing tensions and arguments among family members or partners.
Unsuitable or Unsafe Housing: Several individuals mentioned leaving their previous address due to various issues with the property, such as safety concerns, structural damage, dampness, mold, or infestations. In some cases, the housing associations or landlords were involved in eviction proceedings.
Personal or Family Issues: Personal issues, mental health breakdowns, conflicts with family members, or relationship breakdowns were mentioned as reasons for leaving the previous address and subsequently becoming homeless.
Housing Instability: Some respondents experienced repeated housing relocations or changes due to landlords deciding to sell the property or terminate rental agreements. This instability in housing contributed to their homelessness.
Domestic Violence and Abuse: A few individuals mentioned leaving their previous address due to domestic violence, abuse, or traumatic experiences.
Seeking Support and Safety: Some respondents mentioned moving to be closer to family or seeking a safer environment, often related to escaping violence or abusive situations.
Other Reasons: There were a few varied responses, including experiencing homelessness while traveling abroad, being kicked out of their mother’s house, and previous experiences of rape and abuse.

Here’s a breakdown of the responses:

Emergency Accommodation: 8 respondents (36%), Supported Accommodation: 4 respondents (18%), Temporary Accommodation: 4 respondents (18%), Private Rented Sector: 2 respondents (9%), Rough Sleeping: 2 respondents (9%), Sofa Surfing: 1 respondent (5%), Council Tenant: 1 respondent (5%)

Question 4:

Homemove Council Housing Priority Banding

What I have found is that with my clients the reason many are not on the council housing register was because of staff at Brighton and Hove City Council not doing their jobs correctly. Just last week one particular female client told me she had been left in her current emergency accommodation room for 3.5 years without a bidding number to gain permanent housing. She has since had her Homemove application backdated and is now happily bidding following intervention.

The communication is non existent. We have spoken once and he said he will try and get me onto Homemove, since then he doesn't respond to emails.

Homeless Client Response

I am excluded from bidding which is unusual. I was on homemove years ago, but nothing got sorted.

Homeless Client Response

Question 6: How Many Bedrooms Do You Have?

Take a Closer Look

The data suggests that a significant portion of the respondents (36%) have a room with shared facilities. Studios are the next most common type of accommodation, with 23% of respondents residing in them.

If You Are Not Originally From Brighton and Hove, Where Did You Move From?

Out of the total 27 respondents:

9 respondents indicated their previous location before moving to Brighton and Hove.

The remaining 18 respondents said they were from Brighton and Hove. Indicating 66% of my clients were originally from Brighton & Hove.

Lets Take A Closer Look!

What were the common issues clients not originally from Brighton and Hove faced?

Most of the people who responded stated they moved here for sanctuary, to be closer to friends and family.

What were the common issues clients originally from Brighton and Hove faced?

Analysing the individual responses, most had issues with Out of Area Placements, others were kicked out or revenge evicted, stuck in the homeless system because of no fault evictions / Room Cancellations.

Number of Children Under 16 living with you

From the 27 Clients, 18 people answered. 6 reported having children, there were 15 children under 16 affected by homelessness. The Common Areas People mentioned about their Children & Family:

Children's Health Being Affected By Mould & Damp
Stress & Lack of Space (overcrowding)
three clients reported their child having a Disability
Lack of Support / Lack of Communication
Out of Area Placements / Additional Costs

several responses from the survey mention the impact of homelessness on children. Here are a few quotes that highlight this aspect:

"We didn’t even have space in our room for a Moses basket for the baby either we all started arguing as being on top of each other and no space to put anything..."

Homeless Mother

"Sanctuary housing is a shared accommodation both male and female and is not suitable for me as I am 39 weeks +3 days pregnant they do not accommodate children."

Homeless Mother

"The issues started in July 2020 when myself and my son moved to our previous private rented accommodation... It made my son ill and had 2 trips in the ambulance to do with his breathing. He has developed asthma from the exposure."

Homeless Mother

"It made my son ill and had 2 trips in the ambulance to do with his breathing. He has developed asthma from the exposure."

Homeless Mother

I asked Clients How they became homeless & what their current housing Issue was?
Several common themes emerge....

Relationship breakdowns: Many individuals became homeless as a result of relationship breakdowns or conflicts with family members or partners. Whilst This could highlight the need for better support and mediation services to help prevent homelessness in these situations, in reality many of these young families or people come from tough upbringings and things come to a head, especially where the parent was from an area of multiple deprivation where often families outgrow their homes causing additional tensions.
Eviction and termination of tenancy: Several respondents mentioned being evicted or having their tenancy terminated by landlords or housing associations. This indicates the importance of tenant rights and protections, as well as the need for affordable and stable housing options. Certainly landlords are selling up and going into the Airbnb market due to taxes, issues with arrears etc, higher interest rates /costs. There also seems to be some landlords whom kick out existing tenants, do up the property and then let out for much higher new market rate rents. Several motion Revenge Evictions from Emergency Accomodation providers and effectively being banned from Brighton and Hove.
Mental health issues: Numerous individuals mentioned mental health issues as a contributing factor to their homelessness. This highlights the need for improved access to mental health support and services, as well as adequate housing options that consider the specific needs of individuals with mental health conditions. This does not mean stick supported on the door and then claim enhanced housing benefit rates, yet fail to support individuals effectively and safeguard, empower & communicate.

Unsuitable emergency accommodations: Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and suitability of emergency accommodation placements & poor condition of the living space. This indicates the need for higher min standards and conditions in emergency accommodations, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and appropriate for individuals and families. The other areas seem to be costs associated such as higher energy costs because of poor energy efficiency of the homes including draft. disrepair.

Challenges in the housing system: The responses reflect challenges individuals face within the housing system, including delays in housing allocations, frequent moves between temporary accommodations, and difficulties navigating the system. Addressing these issues requires streamlining and improving the efficiency of the housing system to ensure timely and suitable housing solutions. Lets not paint this in a positive way, almost all of my clients deal with or have a duty with Brighton and Hove City Council and they have been very vocal on the areas and issues within the council and housing departments.

27 Compelling Quotes

"After experiencing vulnerability and mental health issues, I fell into the wrong crowd and was manipulated by drug dealers and bad influences. They eventually kicked me out, causing me to become homeless:"

"My child is becoming ill due to the disrepair of the property"

"I was evicted by Barron Homes, but currently, I am in a permanent home"

"I have been fighting for years to get help and have been messed about. I stayed with my parents, but there were lots of problems, and eventually, they threw me out. I've been in and out of homelessness, sofa surfing, and sleeping in my car. Finally, I got a room, and that's where I am now"

"I was removed from this property by social services, and the council has given an HPO (Housing Possession Order) to stop my children from being placed on child protection. I have been in a one-bed flat with five people, and it took many years to reach this point. I regret speaking up about the situation"

"Previously, I was moved to Eastbourne but struggled due to mobility issues and issues with other people. I sourced my own place in Brighton but have been homeless since the age of 16"

"Domestic violence led to homelessness:"

"My mother kicked me out due to severe mental health issues. I have had multiple addresses over the past five years and have faced assaults and attacks while in supported accommodation and emergency housing"

"I became homeless in 2019 after fleeing a domestic relationship in Eastbourne. I have since been moved between various accommodations, including experiencing a difficult situation at one of them. Currently in temporary stopover accommodation"

"Victimisation. Moved. Spoke to the police, CPN, and Stoke-on-Trent council"

"I was living with my partner when I found out I was pregnant, and he kicked me out"

"I was living with my ex's parents for about 2-3 months, then I was placed in emergency accommodation. On 25th September, I was kicked out of that accommodation without any reason. I am now back in emergency accommodation, but I feel unsafe there"

"My landlord decided to sell the property, and I received a section 21 eviction notice. I am now waiting for the landlord to apply to court for possession"

"I got spiked while in emergency accommodation and lost control, which resulted in me being kicked out. I am currently homeless"

"Due to my mental health issues and violence/abuse, my mother couldn't take it anymore. I am currently sofa surfing at someone's place, but it's not ideal as they smoke and take drugs. I have no choice at the moment"

"I became homeless when I moved out of my mom's house seven years ago due to overcrowding. I have been in temporary accommodations since then, with frequent moves due to various reasons such as landlords wanting their properties back or damages to the previous accommodations"

"I was at a friend's house, and he wanted his house back, so now I am staying nowhere"

"I got made homeless by my mom due to a mental breakdown. I was arrested and kicked out because there were bail conditions in place that prohibited me from going to my mom's address or talking to her. I've been on the streets since then and it's scary and very unsafe. I feel unsafe every night"

"I am in the early stages of labor and expected to move out with all my belongings on 16th April. I was informed I'd be housed a month before my due date and allocated a housing officer, but it hasn't happened yet"

"I became homeless after a relationship breakdown and was told to leave immediately. I presented at the council as homeless. I suffer from mental health issues"

"We are in emergency accommodation, and it is not suitable for anything that breathes. I want to be moved so bad; it's affecting me, my baby, and my partner. I'm crying 24/7:"

I envision a society where every voice is heard, every experience is acknowledged, and every person is provided with the support and compassion they deserve.

4K sensor with HDR and intelligent imaging

I discuss the areas and issues affecting the homelessness system locally and nationally including client issues. Including; The Need For Those With Lived Expeirence To Have Rights.

I also asked my clients what they have done to gain help and support
People Were Vocal.

Analysing the responses from Question 10, I can identify the following actions individuals have taken to seek help and support:

Contacting emergency accommodation: Some individuals mentioned repeatedly phoning emergency accommodation services, although they reported receiving unhelpful and rude responses. These also include the Emergency Accommodation Team at BHCC & Landlords
Reaching out to organisations: Many respondents stated that they contacted various organisations for assistance, although specific organisations were not specified. It can be inferred that individuals sought help from homelessness charities, support services, and possibly local authorities.
Contacting Members of Parliament (MPs): A few individuals reached out to their local MPs for assistance. However, the effectiveness of this approach varied, with some individuals reporting hitting a “brick wall” and experiencing little progress.
Engaging with the council: Many respondents mentioned contacting the council for support and assistance. However, some expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with the council’s response, citing delays, lack of communication, and unfulfilled promises.
Seeking mental health referrals and support: Several individuals mentioned seeking mental health referrals and therapy, recognizing the importance of addressing their mental health needs alongside their housing situation.
Engaging with support services: Respondents mentioned engaging with support services, including homeless outreach programs, Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), and social services. However, the effectiveness of these interactions was not always explicitly stated.
Compliance with council requests: Some individuals emphasized their compliance with council requests and their willingness to provide necessary documentation and forms.
Seeking advice and asking around: A few respondents mentioned asking for advice from others, indicating a proactive approach in seeking support and information.

Clients reported the following happened as a result

Window issue not resolved: One individual reported that despite raising concerns about a screwed shut window, the issue was not addressed. The individual expressed concerns about potential mold and dampness but felt that their concerns were not taken seriously.
Lack of progress or action: Several respondents stated that nothing had happened as a result of their efforts to seek help and support. This suggests a lack of progress in finding a resolution to their homelessness situation or accessing suitable housing.
Pressure exerted by contacting the council: One individual mentioned that a person named Peter contacted the council and applied pressure to facilitate a move. However, further details about the outcome or effectiveness of this action were not provided.
Engaging in therapy and support: One respondent mentioned working with someone named Daniel to address anger management and drug-related issues. While this step may contribute to personal growth and development, it is unclear if it directly addresses the individual’s housing situation.
Concerns and panic due to lack of housing plan: A family member expressed concern about the individual’s mental capacity and highlighted the absence of a housing plan or contact from a homeless prevention officer. This situation led to severe panic and uncertainty.
No response or communication: Some individuals mentioned not hearing anything or receiving no response after reaching out for help. This lack of communication suggests a breakdown in the support system or a lack of follow-up on the individuals’ cases.
Placement in temporary accommodation: One respondent mentioned being placed in Grand Parade, indicating that they were provided temporary accommodation. However, it is unclear if this is a satisfactory or long-term solution.
Ineffective support and false promises: One individual expressed dissatisfaction with the support received, citing false promises and a need for further support in Brighton.
Emergency accommodation obtained: One respondent reported eventually being provided with emergency accommodation in the form of a room in Belvedere Terrace. However, it is unclear if this is a satisfactory long-term solution or a temporary arrangement.
Rehousing by the council: One individual mentioned being rehoused by Brighton and Hove City Council, suggesting a successful outcome in securing housing.

Have you received help and support from Brighton and Hove City Council, local charities groups or legal help?

Clients Rate Brighton and Hove City Council

Homeless Assistance

 1.6/5

Housing Officer Communication

 1.4/5

Housing Officers Empathy & Compassion

 1.4/5

Was your homelessness due to abuse, threats, violence or a hate crime?

37%

Answered: Yes

Behind each instance of homelessness due to abuse, threats, violence, or a hate crime lies a shattered sense of security and trust. It's time to break the cycle and build a community that rejects all forms of violence, offering safety and support to those in need.

63%

Answered: No

Plenty reported being made homeless due to no fault of their own or because of significant issues around their own health and wellbeing.

How do you feel you have been treated by your housing officer?

Themes & Trends

Lack of Communication and Responsiveness:
- Many individuals mentioned a lack of communication or responsiveness from their housing officers.
- Statements such as “non-existent communication,” “doesn’t respond to emails,” and “awol for weeks at a time” indicate a breakdown in communication channels.
Feeling Ignored or Disregarded:
- Several individuals expressed feelings of being ignored or brushed aside by their housing officers.
- Statements like “brushed aside like I or my situation doesn’t matter” and “it’s like they don’t wanna help” suggest a perceived lack of importance given to their concerns.
Lack of Empathy and Understanding:
- Some respondents mentioned a lack of empathy or understanding from their housing officers.
- Statements like “no empathy for my situation” and “made me believe I’m crazy” indicate a disconnect between the individuals’ experiences and the understanding displayed by the housing officers.
Failure to Address Specific Needs or Concerns:
- Some individuals felt that their specific needs or concerns were not adequately addressed by their housing officers.
- Statements like “disregarded my vulnerability and concerns” and “doesn’t understand my mental health problems” highlight a perceived failure to address important aspects of their situations.
Perceived Focus on Financial Aspects:
- A few respondents expressed the belief that their housing officers primarily focused on financial aspects rather than addressing their broader needs.
- Statements such as “only talk about the money side of things” and “they don’t wanna help” suggest a frustration with a lack of holistic support.

Client Quotes

From Question 9 (“What support have you received from your housing officer?”):
- “My housing man won’t even answer my emails. I am being ignored. I’m so stressed and upset. It’s not fair. I just want my baby to be in a safe place.”
- “The communication is non-existent. We have spoken once, and since then, he doesn’t respond to emails.”
From Question 11 (“What has happened as a result?”):
- “I haven’t been allocated a housing officer yet. I’m still being chased up.”
- “I feel brushed aside like I or my situation doesn’t matter.”
From Question 17 (“How do you feel you have been treated by your housing officer?”):
- “Not very well. To the point I want to request another housing officer. He has no empathy for my situation and is not helping me at all.”
- “I feel like everyone has failed me, and they only talk about the money side of things.”
- “I don’t think I have been treated well at all. My vulnerability and concerns have been disregarded.”

Clients Rate the Accommodation Placements & Landlords

Do you feel safe where you live?

Condition of the Accommodation

 1.7/5

Service provided by landlord

 1.7/5

Rating of Cooking Facilities

 2/5

Other Residents

 2.4/5

For Condition of property: 55% gave 1 star. Very Poor

For Service Provided: 55% gave 1 star. Very Poor

Cooking Facilities: Almost 1 person in every two gave 1 star. 7 people gave a three start rating.

OTHER Residents: 32% gave three stars, but 55% gave either one or two stars: Two people were very happy with other residents (9%).

Any Issues Or things you feel you want to raise whilst living there?

Themes from the reported issues

Safety concerns: Issues related to broken doors, lack of security, and feeling unsafe, especially for women and families with babies.

Quotes:

“Previously ive been in supported, the baytree which is emergency, the. Ive been in the heathers where I was raped in the hallway, the room was a box, grand parade where i was revenge evicted, Percival terrace, they tried to move me out of area.”

“The main door is broken, and we are women with babies. We get scared all the time. The facilities are awful; we are always cold in our room, and the smell is awful.”

“I don’t feel safe, back door is left open most nights even if I lock it someone else in the house will unlock it. Raised with survivors network and I got told to walk into yac.” –

Poor facilities: Complaints about the condition of the accommodation, including cold rooms, unpleasant smells, and mold.

Quotes:

“Issues in regards to security, large patio doors, and a single wooden door easy to put through if somebody wanted to break in. I’ve had to get contents insurance because of this concern.”

“The condition is okay. The kitchen is dated, and a gas engineer came up and said we needed a new hob put in, but because the landlord is selling, that wasn’t done. We also have an issue with pigeons. The patio is unusable. The landlord came to put spikes up, but the pigeons still poo on the patio.”

Verbal abuse and harassment: Instances of verbal altercations, name-calling, threats, and bullying from other residents, causing distress and fear.

Quotes:

“I had both female and male target me from the day I moved into sanctuary calling me names like ‘chav’ bitch. Verbal altercations happened, one of the boys managed to open my electric box whilst I was out and turn it off so I lost a lot of fresh foods which sanctuary refused to reimburse me for. Staff have heard the abuse and done nothing about it, to which it broke out in an altercation because I felt threatened and went into fight or flight mode due to suffering PTSD.”

Hygiene and cleanliness: Reports of poor hygiene standards, including the presence of mold, feces, menstrual blood, and unclean communal areas.

Quotes:

“Lots of mold.

“The condition was disgusting. As I turned up, I saw a guy who looked like he was drugged out of his mind in the hall. I walked around looking for my room when I found it, I just wanted to get in as I already felt uneasy, but my key wouldn’t go in the door. After about 5 mins, I got into my room and slammed the door shut as it felt like someone was watching me. My room was dirty and looking as though I could have caught something from even breathing in there. I had no bedding, no nothing. The place was freezing. I decided to leave.

Violence and arguments: Instances of rows, arguments, and violence among residents, leading to personal issues and concerns.

Quotes:

“There are rows and arguments and violence that cause me issues, trying not to be angry myself.”

Mobility issues: Difficulties related to mobility, lack of suitable accommodations for disabled individuals, and challenges storing mobility aids.

Quote:

Small, claustrophobic, unsuitable, and not suitable for a disabled person with mobility issues. Cannot store my mobility scooter, living with all single men. No support.”

Lack of support and response: Complaints about the landlord or housing authorities not addressing issues promptly, disregarding concerns, or not providing necessary support.

Quotes:

“No issues.”

“Horrible was in Percival terrace. Complained to the council, and nothing was done.”

“Yes, many times, especially when my documents are repeatedly being lost, no communication, and awful service. To be fair, I’m not on the streets now, so for me, it is somewhat better than sleeping rough. At first, the property was extremely poor until eventually got somebody who did move things along.”

Clients Hopes For an Outcome

From the 27 Clients, 21 people answered. The overall tone of the responses varies, but there is a mixture of desperation, hopefulness, frustration, and a desire for a positive change. Some respondents express desperation due to their current living situations and the challenges they face, while others maintain hope for a better outcome. Negative sentiments are evident in some responses where individuals express dissatisfaction with their experiences so far.

Based on the responses provided, the common themes for a good outcome can be summarised as follows:

Safe and suitable accommodation: Many respondents expressed a desire for a place that is safe, secure, and suitable for their needs. They mentioned factors such as good public transport links, proximity to amenities like supermarkets, and a stable environment for themselves and their children.

“To be moved into a suitable place to live and to be reimbursed for the things that have had to be thrown away because of the mold… think about people’s health and listen to the people living the life.”

“A place that I’m safe in and has good public transport links and a supermarket nearby for me to be able to go out food shopping and the like.”

“To have a permanent home for me and my 5 children… all this moving has dramatically affected him more than my other children.”

Long-term stability: Several respondents expressed a desire for long-term accommodation, preferably through council housing or low-level sheltered accommodation. They sought stability to rebuild their lives and minimize the disruptions caused by frequent relocations.

“Getting placed in longer-term accommodation so I can recover and rebuild a new life.”

“My ideal outcome would be secure long-term council housing… not have the worry of being put in another short-term private rented place.”

“I would like my own space, my own toilet, my own bathroom, my own door that I can lock and know I only have the keys and I am safe.”

Support and assistance: Some respondents expressed a need for support with their health needs, financial management, and navigating the housing system. They desired assistance in accessing services and appointments to address their specific challenges.

“I need support with Money and health appointments. I am not well educated, so need things explained in simple terms.”

“Would like something a little more tailored… low-level sheltered accommodation due to my health needs.”

“Being placed nearer to the children’s school and back into the community… being able to provide better heat and food.”

Safe and suitable accommodation:
Long-term stability
Support and assistance:

Based on the responses provided, approximately 16 out of the 21 respondents mentioned the desire for safe and suitable accommodation as a desired outcome. Similarly, around 9 out of the 21 respondents expressed their wish for long-term stability in their housing situation.

Mental Impact:
LONELINESS

Loneliness: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt lonely?

Most people 26% reported feeling Lonely All The Time!

STRESS

Stress: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt Stressed?

A whopping 70% of respondents reported being stressed all the time.

Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal Thoughts On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt suicidal or have suicidal thoughts?

33% of the respondents reported never feeling suicidal or having suicidal thoughts.

15% Reported Sometimes

15% Reported between Often and Most Days

30% Said All The Time

ISOLATION

Isolation: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt you could not do or take part in activities?

19% of the respondents reported never feeling Isolated

7% Reported Sometimes

33% Reported between Often and Most Days

30% Said All The Time

Happiness

Happiness: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt happy?

33% of the respondents reported never feeling Happiness

7% Reported Not Very Often

11% Not Often

19% said Sometimes

11% Said All The Time

Friendships & Family

Do you feel your homelessness journey improved or worsened your mental health?

96% Said Their Homeless Journey Worsened Their Mental Health

Friendships & Family: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you seen or spoken to friends and/or Family?

I think the results for Friendship & Family show a mixed picture,

30% of respondents saw or spoke to Friends and Family either Often, Very Often & Most Days.

11% said all the time.

22% said they never see or speak to friends or family.

Q.35 Employment Status

Equality

70% are not economically active

Not Working – From a Disability – 44%

Employed: 30%

Not Working – Seeking Work: 26%

Gender

Do You Have a Disability or Learning Impairment?

Male - 36%
Female - 64%

State Benefits You Receive

Most respondents reported receiving Universal Credit, 50% reported Receiving Personal Independence Payments which is a non means tested living allowence

Please Note this was multiple choice question.

18 Answered, 9 Skipped these were likely in work and not receiving benefits.

Your Sexual Orientation

Twenty Clients Reported being Heterosexual

Seven Respondents define as LGBTQ+

Children with a Disability or Learning Impairment

3 Reported Yes

It’s worth noting 7 respondents reported having children. of those 3 reported a disability or learning impairment.

43% of the respondents with children reported their child had a disability and/or Learning Impairment

How does disability and impairment impact you and/or your family?

"I see the world in a different way, I have autism and mental health issues"

"I have autism so makes me vulnerable in dangerous situations"

Take Part and Sign Up For My Services

New clients must complete the registration and permission form and I recommend you also complete the Homeless Survey

Become a New Client

Recommedations For Future Reforms

There are things that we can all do every day to help make this happen.

Reinstate In-House Council Room/Placement Inspections

Emergency Accommodation | Hotels | Supported Accommodation | B&B's | Temporary Accommodation

This service was stopped and no frontline services, tenants or local organisations helping people experiencing homelessness were consulted. Residents report providers are ignoring disrepair and security issues.

Energy Efficiency & Ratings

ENERGY Performance Certificates

Too many people living in Emergency Accommodation & Temporary Accommodation face high bills and disrepair. One area which seems a common theme and concern around disrepair is the energy performance certificate rating in the homes homeless people are placed.

I recommend a Minimum Energy Rating of Level C for any provider or home provided to a homeless person.

Bring Emergency Accommodation In-House

Improving Standards

There is an extra management fee provided for maintenance and management of Accommodations , currently the majority of this extra money is paid directly to providers. Bringing more services in-house would mean the council would save money, improve standards with out in-house maintenance & repairs team and drive up the standards and reduce severe disrepair.

Driving UP Standards

Improve Staff Training

Being Able to make good decisions

Far too often are there errors or issues with homeless decisions, this can be because the statutory duties and role of a homeless prevention officer means for each case clients are required to have a thorough assessment of their needs, advice in writing and a personal housing plan. We need to ensure no one is working with clients without support from a qualified staff member, until they can prove they understand the obligations of their role and the values placed on helping others.

Management Culture & Staff Morale

Feedback From HR Websites

Staff Feel unsupported & ill-equipped to do their role effectively. Many complain about the working culture.

Better Exit Interviews with With Front Line Staff
Be Inclusive With Senior Director & Management Recruitment Process.
Those who do not meet the values of the organisation & work well with others should be performance managed and where no improvement disciplinary action must to be taken.

Inquiry into Homeless deaths

Over 100 people experiencing homelessness have died in the last 3 years

Following the feedback from respondents in terms of the service provided & mental health impacts, with too t many reporting suicidal thoughts or intent, and the lack of help available, including safeguarding and reports from family members of people who have died whilst being homeless warrants a formal inquiry into the circumstances which led up to, in and around and after someone died. What are the lessons?

A Community Association Completely Incapacitated

Homeless Client Advocacy Survey Report: Unveiling the Harrowing Realities

The Client Survey Results

Homemove Council Housing Priority Banding

Question 6: How Many Bedrooms Do You Have?

Take a Closer Look

If You Are Not Originally From Brighton and Hove, Where Did You Move From?

Lets Take A Closer Look!

Number of Children Under 16 living with you

several responses from the survey mention the impact of homelessness on children. Here are a few quotes that highlight this aspect:

I asked Clients How they became homeless & what their current housing Issue was? Several common themes emerge....

27 Compelling Quotes

"After experiencing vulnerability and mental health issues, I fell into the wrong crowd and was manipulated by drug dealers and bad influences. They eventually kicked me out, causing me to become homeless:"

"My child is becoming ill due to the disrepair of the property"

"I was evicted by Barron Homes, but currently, I am in a permanent home"

"I have been fighting for years to get help and have been messed about. I stayed with my parents, but there were lots of problems, and eventually, they threw me out. I've been in and out of homelessness, sofa surfing, and sleeping in my car. Finally, I got a room, and that's where I am now"

"Previously, I was moved to Eastbourne but struggled due to mobility issues and issues with other people. I sourced my own place in Brighton but have been homeless since the age of 16"

"Domestic violence led to homelessness:"

"My mother kicked me out due to severe mental health issues. I have had multiple addresses over the past five years and have faced assaults and attacks while in supported accommodation and emergency housing"

"I became homeless in 2019 after fleeing a domestic relationship in Eastbourne. I have since been moved between various accommodations, including experiencing a difficult situation at one of them. Currently in temporary stopover accommodation"

"Victimisation. Moved. Spoke to the police, CPN, and Stoke-on-Trent council"

"I was living with my partner when I found out I was pregnant, and he kicked me out"

"I was living with my ex's parents for about 2-3 months, then I was placed in emergency accommodation. On 25th September, I was kicked out of that accommodation without any reason. I am now back in emergency accommodation, but I feel unsafe there"

"My landlord decided to sell the property, and I received a section 21 eviction notice. I am now waiting for the landlord to apply to court for possession"

"I got spiked while in emergency accommodation and lost control, which resulted in me being kicked out. I am currently homeless"

"Due to my mental health issues and violence/abuse, my mother couldn't take it anymore. I am currently sofa surfing at someone's place, but it's not ideal as they smoke and take drugs. I have no choice at the moment"

"I became homeless when I moved out of my mom's house seven years ago due to overcrowding. I have been in temporary accommodations since then, with frequent moves due to various reasons such as landlords wanting their properties back or damages to the previous accommodations"

"I was at a friend's house, and he wanted his house back, so now I am staying nowhere"

"I got made homeless by my mom due to a mental breakdown. I was arrested and kicked out because there were bail conditions in place that prohibited me from going to my mom's address or talking to her. I've been on the streets since then and it's scary and very unsafe. I feel unsafe every night"

"I am in the early stages of labor and expected to move out with all my belongings on 16th April. I was informed I'd be housed a month before my due date and allocated a housing officer, but it hasn't happened yet"

"I became homeless after a relationship breakdown and was told to leave immediately. I presented at the council as homeless. I suffer from mental health issues"

"We are in emergency accommodation, and it is not suitable for anything that breathes. I want to be moved so bad; it's affecting me, my baby, and my partner. I'm crying 24/7:"

I envision a society where every voice is heard, every experience is acknowledged, and every person is provided with the support and compassion they deserve.

I also asked my clients what they have done to gain help and support People Were Vocal.

Clients reported the following happened as a result

Have you received help and support from Brighton and Hove City Council, local charities groups or legal help?

Clients Rate Brighton and Hove City Council

Was your homelessness due to abuse, threats, violence or a hate crime?

Answered: Yes

Answered: No

How do you feel you have been treated by your housing officer?

Lack of Communication and Responsiveness:

Feeling Ignored or Disregarded:

Lack of Empathy and Understanding:

Failure to Address Specific Needs or Concerns:

Perceived Focus on Financial Aspects:

From Question 9 (“What support have you received from your housing officer?”):

From Question 11 (“What has happened as a result?”):

From Question 17 (“How do you feel you have been treated by your housing officer?”):

Clients Rate the Accommodation Placements & Landlords

Do you feel safe where you live?

Any Issues Or things you feel you want to raise whilst living there?

Themes from the reported issues

Clients Hopes For an Outcome

Mental Impact:LONELINESS

Loneliness: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt lonely?

STRESS

Stress: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt Stressed?

Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal Thoughts On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt suicidal or have suicidal thoughts?

ISOLATION

Isolation: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt you could not do or take part in activities?

Happiness

Happiness: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you felt happy?

Friendships & Family

Do you feel your homelessness journey improved or worsened your mental health?

96% Said Their Homeless Journey Worsened Their Mental Health

Friendships & Family: On a scale of 1 -10 in last two weeks how often have you seen or spoken to friends and/or Family?

Q.35

Employment Status

Equality

70% are not economically active

Gender

Do You Have a Disability or Learning Impairment?

Male - 36%Female - 64%

State Benefits You Receive

Your Sexual Orientation

Children with a Disability or Learning Impairment

3 Reported Yes

How does disability and impairment impact you and/or your family?

I asked Clients How they became homeless & what their current housing Issue was?
Several common themes emerge....

I also asked my clients what they have done to gain help and support
People Were Vocal.

Mental Impact:
LONELINESS

Male - 36%
Female - 64%