Homelessness and substance misuse services are failing to work
together to support homeless drug users,
according to a report
published today.
Efforts to place homeless people in treatment are “going to waste”
when they are not able to get suitable accommodation, the research
by campaign group Homeless Link found.
This was despite figures cited in the report showing that drug
users were seven times more likely to be homeless than the general
population, while three-quarters of homeless people had a history
of problematic substance misuse – a number that rose among rough
sleepers.
More than two-fifths of homeless people cited drug use as the main
reason for homelessness, while two-thirds said their problem had
got worse after becoming homeless.
Homeless Link chief executive Jenny Edwards said: “Our research
demonstrates the urgent need to link up drug and housing services
much more effectively to help people escape homelessness and
addiction. It shows that with the right environment and support,
lives can be turned around. The results can be inspiring when we
stop wasting public money on doomed treatment.”
More information
Homeless Link