Homeless Stars Housing has accommodated over 40 people in the last quarter

Homeless Stars Housing has been working hard to eliminate homelessness in Leeds, by providing immediate accommodation to vulnerable people facing rough sleeping.

Homelessness has soared in Leeds, and many people are facing the difficulty of staying in temporary accommodation and Bed and Breakfasts. In the past quarter, Homeless Stars Housing has provided accommodation, food packs and blankets to over 40 individuals, experiencing homelessness in Leeds. With winter coming, these figures are expected to grow by as much as 20%, as there is a high demand for accommodation, especially when these vulnerable people are going to be subjected to chilly nights and low temperatures.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the individuals accommodated had been experiencing homelessness for a long time. In particular, 10% of the individuals had been rough sleeping for nearly a year, leading to them losing hope. One individual had stated they had been registered with Leeds Housing Options for 4 months and no provider of housing was able to accommodate them, due to the shortage of houses available. There is a shortfall in affordable accommodation for people, and with the local housing allowance rate remaining unchanged, these vulnerable people are finding it more and more difficult to find suitable accommodation.

Homeless Stars Housing has also seen a rise in homeless refugees each week, as more and more are refused accommodation due to the language barrier. Homeless Stars Housing has revealed how they are working towards holding ESOL language classes for refugees next year, in order to improve their chances of gaining employment and education. The ESOL classes will allow more refugees to feel less isolated, and it will allow them to integrate into society and build their support network. Refugees have stated that speaking English is everything for them, as it will improve their ability to study courses in Colleges, feel less alienated by sharing a mutual language, and feel more confident.

The individuals have also stated that they have seen an increase of mental health issues being experienced by these refugees, as most of them feel ‘hopeless’ and ‘self-isolated’, due to past trauma and their current homelessness being a contribution.

Homeless Stars Housing is urging more organisations to work with them, in order to help tackle the rising number of homelessness people in Leeds.

This post is based on a press release issued by Homeless Stars Housing CIC

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