A person can become homeless due to personal or societal problems. Most people who become homeless cite relationship breakdown, substance misuse, leaving an institution (prison, care, hospital etc.) physical or mental health problems, or escaping a violent relationship as the most common reasons for becoming homeless. For others, a lack of affordable housing, high levels of poverty, unemployment or worklessness are the main factors.
Regardless of how an individual becomes homeless the results can be devastating. A person's health deteriorates rapidly as a consequence of worrying about housing. The average lifespan for a male homeless person is 47 years and 43 years for a female. A homeless person is more likely to be issued with a JSA (Job Seeker's Allowance) or ESA (Employment & Support Allowance) sanction than anyone else, meaning they have no money for a period of time. 1 in 4 will find it difficult to maintain a tenancy due to loneliness, isolation and lack of choice. All these factors will affect their self-confidence, resilience and the ability to move on from homelessness.
At One Roof Leicester (ORL) we believe that people who are at risk of, experiencing or were previously homeless should be able to access services that encourage their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We believe that a homeless person needs more than a bed for the night: we want to offer services and support that will enable a homeless person to escape the downward spiral of homelessness and uncertainty.