Look Ahead is one of 47 proud signatories of a letter to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and ministers, calling for government action against systemic inequalities faced by women experiencing homelessness.
The calls to action come in light of years of research carried out by the Single Homeless Project and Solace, and the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census. The latest census results came from the testimonies of 815 women from 41 local authorities who shared their experiences of sleeping rough, and their views about what they need.
The letter, signed by a coalition of networks, local authorities and organisations specialising in health, violence against women and girls, housing and homelessness outlined three main asks including to:
- Make the Government’s response to homelessness and rough sleeping gender-informed.
- Resource and lead the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census.
- Ensure women have access to safe and suitable accommodation, including through national funding pots and guidance for local commissioners on women’s pathways.
Current research estimates there could be as many as nine times more women sleeping rough across England than the number suggested by the Government’s annual Rough Sleeping Snapshot. The findings have also shown that Government policies and practices are largely based on the experiences of men, and as such are failing to adequately meet women’s needs.
Megan Reynolds, Look Ahead’s Director of Housing Related Support said:
“At Look Ahead, we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, and adequate support to sustain it. We are proud to be signatories of this important letter that highlights women’s experiences of rough sleeping. We urge the Government to act on the recommendations and dedicate the required time and resources in prioritising the many women affected by homelessness.”
The full letter is available here. You can also read the 2023 census report in full here.
