Relationship break-ups add to hidden homeless problem

August 21, 2002 in Adults, Children, Education and training

Divorce and all relationship breakdowns are contributing to the
number of hidden homeless people, according to the latest research
from homelessness charity Crisis, writes Anabel Unity
Sale.

A survey of 150 people from across England found that 53 per
cent of respondents cited splitting up from their spouse or partner
as the trigger for becoming homeless.

Another 28 per cent said they became homeless after their
parents or step-parents threw them out of the family home, and 16
per cent said they were forced to flee because of verbal or
physical abuse.

Crisis has launched two new services called ‘Crisis skylight’,
which will give homeless people the opportunity to learn life
skills, and ‘Crisis changing lives’ which will offer financial
support for training courses and cash to help them set up their own
business.

Next month Crisis will launch a national radio and poster
campaign to reach people who do not know or do not care about
hidden homelessness.