Our solutions to ending homelessness in Kent
We're adapting the way we help people
This World Homeless Day, we're highlighting new approaches to tackle homelessness in Kent.
World Homeless Day is a time to raise awareness of the growing issue of homelessness and we know there's more to be done.
Homelessness continues to be a major issue across the county. In the past six months, we have been aware of:
Over 400 people who have slept rough on Kent's street
Nearly 250 people in Kent who have been forced to sofa surf
More than 550 people in Kent who are in danger of becoming homeless
Although homelessness services have benefited from extra central government funding in recent months, money alone won’t solve the homelessness crisis.
Helping people to overcome the emotionally damaging effects of rough sleeping and rebuild their lives is not a quick process and if we’re to end homelessness, we must find new ways of helping those who need it the most. To do this, we’ve launched a series of new initiatives.
Housing First
We've introduced the Housing First scheme to Kent.
It's about moving rough sleepers with the most complex needs straight into a home of their own instead of a homeless hostel. This gives them a sense of ownership, empowerment and has been proven to help people who struggle living in a hostel environment.
It has had a dramatic effect in other countries and has virtually eliminated rough sleeping in Finland.
Housing First
One in three rough sleepers we’re aware of have a long-term mental health issue.
Those with the most complex needs can struggle to engage with typical homelessness services.
To help them, we’ve introduced Housing First to Kent.
Find out moreSpecialist support for homeless women
Kent has one of the highest percentages of women sleeping rough in the country. Shockingly, one in five rough sleepers in Kent is a woman.
Women are particularly vulnerable on the streets. They live in fear of being attacked, exploited or worse. Many stay hidden and are less visible than men, meaning opportunities to help them are being missed.
Porchlight is aiming to change this by developing support services specifically for homeless women.
New services for homeless women
Typically, homelessness services are developed with men in mind.
We're developing services for women so that female rough sleepers get the support they need.
Find out what we're doing to help homeless womenWorking together to end homelessness
To really make a difference it’s important that councils, homelessness charities, and substance misuse and mental health services work closely together.
We believe that we’re able to make a difference here in Kent. But to do so we’ll need the support of central government - strategic and sustained investment in homelessness services and the political will to address the drastic loss of social housing.
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