Final Arch 24-25 pages - Flipbook - Page 8
Context
Homelessness in Brighton & Hove
continues to be a signi昀椀cant and growing
issue, with thousands of residents facing
housing insecurity and rough sleeping.
As of 2024, nearly 3,600 people in the
city are experiencing homelessness,
including a staggering 1,400 children.
The number of people living in temporary
and emergency accommodation
has risen by 75% in 10 years. Despite
herculean e昀昀orts by many to address
the crisis, the numbers continue to rise.
According to the city council 76
individuals were found to be sleeping
rough in November 2024. Demand for
homelessness services is rising rapidly. In
2024, the council recorded 2,624 requests
for homelessness support, and 2,366
formal applications for help were made.
The a昀昀ordability of housing remains a
key driver of homelessness. The average
monthly rent for a one bedroom 昀氀at in
Brighton & Hove is now around £1,164–
£1,197 per month. These soaring costs
put signi昀椀cant pressure on low-income
households, with many forced into
temporary or unstable accommodation.
The city’s housing crisis is compounded
by a shortage of a昀昀ordable and social
housing. Over 7,500 people are currently
on the waiting list for social housing, with
long waiting times and few vacancies.
Homelessness has a serious impact
on health. According to the Faculty for
Homeless Health, people experiencing
homelessness are 34 times more likely to
8 /32
have tuberculosis, 50 times more likely to
have Hepatitis C, 12 times more likely to
have epilepsy, six times more likely to have
heart disease, and 昀椀ve times more likely
to have a stroke. Clearly, homelessness
has a huge impact on the physical health
of the individual. Furthermore, recent
research by Homeless Link showed that
in addition to physical health problems,
86% of individuals who are homeless
have mental health problems, 39%
take drugs or are recovering from a
drug problem and 27% have, or are
recovering from, an alcohol problem.
The vast majority of the people we care
for at Arch have a complex combination of
multiple physical needs, mental ill-health,
substance misuse and homelessness,
all of which conspire against their overall
health and wellbeing. For all these reasons
it is vital that our services are holistic and
person centred, ensuring that people are
supported to access the care they need.
If you wish to read more about homelessness and
better understand the issue and how it a昀昀ects
those experiencing it, there are excellent resources
available at:
Crisis: www.crisis.org.uk
Shelter: www.shelter.org.uk
Museum of Homelessness:
www.museumofhomelessness.org
Homeless: www.homeless.org
Emmaus: www.emmaus.org.uk
St Mungo’s: www.mungos.org
