Coping with homelessness

What is homelessness?

Homelessness is more than not having a roof over your head, it’s about not having a secure, safe, or affordable place to stay.

You may be considered homeless if you:

• are staying with family or friends
• are squatting (as you don’t have the legal right to stay)
• are staying in a hostel, night shelter or B&B
• are at risk of violence or abuse in your home
• live in poor conditions that are affecting your health
• live apart from your family as you don’t have a place to live together

Homelessness and the life circumstances that surround it can be very stressful, and this can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness, or you think you might be at risk of becoming homeless, it's important to get help. You can find tailored support for what you're going through here.

If you're struggling to move forward or are feeling suicidal because of homelessness you can speak to CALM in confidence.

CALM’s professional helpline staff are available from 5pm to midnight every day. They can help you explore how you’re feeling and will talk things through without judgement. They'll give practical advice and suggestions to help you find a way to get help and feel better. Find out more about CALM's helpline here.

You can also find more support from Shelter. They offer advice and support online, over the phone or through their local services.

How does homelessness feel?

Lacking a secure place to stay can have a huge affect on our mental wellbeing. Being homeless, experiencing problems in your home, or coping with housing problems can be incredibly tough. Figuring out the processes and talking to the right people can also feel very overwhelming.

A study from 2014 showed that 80% of homeless people in the UK have struggled with mental health due to their housing situation.

The emotional effects of being homeless can make it more difficult to change your circumstances.

If you are experiencing homelessness you may feel:

• Helpless
• Demoralised
• Depressed
• Distrustful
• Bitter
• Overwhelmed
• Tired
• Anxious
• Low self-esteem
• Like life isn’t worth living

Anyone can become homeless. Being homeless does not define someone. No matter what reason you are facing challenges around your living circumstances, help is available.

Why do people become homeless?

There’s lots of reasons someone may find themselves homeless – and they could happen to any of us. Usually people find themselves in this situation because of social triggers such as a lack of affordable housing, or life events such as flooding, or a fire in your home.

Some factors which may make you more vulnerable to becoming homeless include, but are not limited to:

• Poverty and unemployment
• Leaving prison, care, or the services with no home to go to
• Trying to leave a violent or abusive relationship
• A lack of affordable housing
• Mental or physical health problems
• A relationship breakdown

Where can I find help?

• Find more places to get help with homelessness here.
• If you're feeling suicidal or have thoughts of harming yourself, talk to CALM. Our helpline is open from 5pm to midnight every day. Find out more here.
• Outside of these hours, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
• Contact your local council to find out what help they can offer. This might be emergency accommodation or something more long-term.
• Contact your local Citizen's Advice.
• Get help from Shelter UK - they offer advice and support online, over the phone or through their local services.
• Search for local homelessness services at Homeless Link

Dealing with homelessness

• If you are legally homeless your local council has to help you. This may be by giving you advice, or it may be providing accommodation.
• Contact your local homeless shelter, local housing officer and council who can advise steps to take towards getting you accommodation safely.
• Remember that you are valued as a person. The situation you’re in isn’t a reflection of who you are.
• Think about reconnecting with people that might be able to help you, such as an old friend or estranged family.
• Talk with the Salvation Army who can provide access to food banks, showers and give other practical help.

Talking about homelessness

Homelessness can be a difficult topic to discuss. If you or someone you know is facing homelessness or a situation that may lead to homelessness, here are some ways you can start a conversation: