As this year’s pan-London women’s rough sleeping census gets underway, London boroughs have declared their ongoing support for the project and commitment to helping women sleeping rough in the capital. Backed by London Councils and other partners, the initiative is led by Single Homeless Project, Solace Women’s Aid and St Mungo’s.
Understanding women’s rough sleeping
Through the lens of multiple disadvantage, women experiencing homelessness are at constant risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. The Single Homelessness Project asserts that to stay safe, women often stay hidden. “Hidden from the dangers of being visible on the streets, but also hidden from the outreach and homelessness services they desperately need and deserve”.
The Single Homelessness project runs five women-only services in London and partners with leading homelessness and VAWGs (Violence Against Women and Girls) organisations to develop new initiatives and influence local authorities and service commissioners to develop and commission more gender-informed services.
In October 2022, the first London-wide Women’s Rough Sleeping Census was formed. The census was delivered on the back of the Single Homelessness Project’s research into women’s homelessness in Camden, which highlighted the need for better data collection to evidence the scale of women’s rough sleeping and other forms of homelessness.
The 2022 count found 154 women rough sleeping in London in a week – a higher number of women than previously believed. However, this may still under-represent the true figure.
The census
Running from 25 September to 1 October, this year’s census is designed to improve understanding of the extent and nature of women’s rough sleeping in the capital. Frontline homelessness workers and volunteers will complete a short census survey with women they see sleeping rough across the course of the week.
Counting women who sleep rough is complex as many are not in touch with support services. Experiences of violence and abuse are almost universal for women who sleep rough and the average age of death is just 43 years old – even younger than the figure for men.
The data gathered from the census will help inform future service provision. With their key role in local housing and homelessness support, boroughs are committed to working with partners across London’s homelessness sector to increase safety and improve outcomes for women sleeping rough.
Responses
Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said:
“Rough sleeping is particularly dangerous for women, and we’re determined to reduce the number sleeping rough and to ensure that appropriate support is available.
“The census is a vital tool for helping us understand the scale of the challenge and for targeting resources. Boroughs are proud to be part of the pan-London partnership tackling this issue.”
Michelle Binfield, London Councils’ Rough Sleeping Programme Director, said:
“The census gives us a clearer picture of how many women sleep rough in London, as well as wider insight into their experiences and the support they need.
“Improved data is critical for informing our strategic response. Alongside our partners across London’s homelessness sector, we will continue to do everything we can to help women off the streets and into safe accommodation.”
Lucy Campbell, Head of Multiple Disadvantage, Single Homeless Project, said:
“The consequences of rough sleeping are devastating for women. And the way in which our support systems have been designed actually disadvantages women further. Every woman who might be seeking refuge in cafes, on night buses and on stranger’s floors deserves our support.
“We hope that the results of our census will shine a light on this and encourage the government to put in place our recommendations and make a lasting impact.”
Final thought
Homelessness is an experience, not a forever, and with the right approach, it can be ended. Women need services designed just for them and it is vital than these organisations are calling for change through gathering the data for targeted approaches.