How does the U.K handle homelessness?

   There is a foundational difference in how the U.S and the U.K handle homelessness. In the U.S we define homelessness as a very straightforward: "The state of having no home". The UK however, defines homeless in a variety of ways: 

• Have no accommodation available to occupy

• Are at risk of violence or domestic abuse

• Have accommodation but it is not reasonable for them to continue to occupy it

• have accommodation but cannot secure entry to it

• Have no legal right to occupy their accommodation

• Live in a mobile home or houseboat but have no place to put it or live in it

    These six definitions lead to a much wider variety of U.K citizens that could be legally defined as homeless. So why does the U.K define homelessness in a much broader sense? It could be because there are far more resources available to those deemed legally homeless. For example: If local social workers are satisfied that the person is threatened with homelessness and eligible based off of a homelessness application then these actions will be taking place:

• Assess the person's housing needs

• Agree a personalized housing plan 

• Take reasonable steps to help prevent them from becoming homeless.

I especially like that last bullet point. Action is taken to prevent the threatened individual from becoming homeless. This plan of action is great in theory but how does in work in reality? Look for yourselves 

    In the United Kingdom, approximately 16 out of every 100,000 people experience homelessness, whereas in the United States, that number soars to around 76 per 100,000. This stark contrast raises a critical question: what systemic changes can we implement to better support our homeless population and prevent more individuals from falling through the cracks? One key improvement would be the development of a comprehensive, proactive strategy for social workers and support services to engage with individuals who are at high risk of losing their housing. Early intervention could be the difference between temporary hardship and long-term homelessness. After all, the transition into homelessness isn’t just a logistical nightmare, it’s an overwhelming lifestyle shock, often accompanied by trauma, instability, and the erosion of one's sense of dignity. We must act not just with policy, but with compassion and foresight.

Sources used: 

https://ourworldindata.org/homelessness

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/homelessness_applications/homelessness_and_threatened_homelessness/legal_definition_of_homelessness_and_threatened_homelessness