North East homeless female figures are higher than records show
Our investigation's found that the way homeless people are counted means that females are often missed
A North East charity is warning the number of women rough sleeping is significantly higher than the current data suggests.
Official figures - based on a snapshot one night in Autumn of people who are visible - show there's only 21 across our entire region.
Ruth Parker, Chief Executive of Emmaus North East said: "These statistics that we have are the tip of the iceberg.
"We know that the problem is so much more deep routed."
She continued to say: "Females tend to try and find a safe place to be.
"That might be overnight cafes, garden sheds or staying on public transport for as long as they possibly can.
"We need the government to put more money into creating affordable homes and specialist support for what is a huge national issue, often reflected on as an issue of national shame."
The government told us they are working with charities on a Women's Rough Sleeping Census which will give better information in the future.