Recurring homelessness more likely in places like Oxford, says charity
Emmaus Oxford say homeless people are more likely to face homelessness again in wealthier areas
People who experience homelessness in high-cost areas, such as Oxford, are more likely to face it again due to challenges like unaffordable rent and limited job options, according to Laura Bristow, from Emmaus Oxford.
She said 40% of the people who approach them have faced homelessness more than once and that while many charities offer short-term assistance, this often isn’t enough to prevent a return to homelessness.
"With a lot of homeless support charities across the UK, the support they offer is limited, so it could be up to six months," Laura said. "It takes time for people to adjust, it takes time for people to get their confidence back, and it takes time to get that training and those qualifications and find that employment."
High housing costs in affluent places like Oxford make it particularly hard for people recovering from homelessness to stay housed, Laura pointed out.
She said that low-paid, unskilled, or zero-hours contract jobs often leave people unable to afford stable housing.
"Often their only options are low paid and unskilled zero-hour contract work and that's not sustainable, particularly somewhere in Oxford where where rent is so high," Laura said.
Laura also identified financial insecurity, mental health challenges, and addiction as further common factors in repeat homelessness.
Emmaus Oxford focuses on providing long-term housing and support, offering individuals known as companions their own rooms and involvement in social enterprise work.
The charity also links homeless people to industry-recognised qualifications, such as welding and furniture restoration, to help them secure full-time roles with steady income.
"It's about providing training and qualifications that will lead to sustainable employment where someone can then afford stable housing in Oxford and will never have to face the risk of homelessness again," Laura said.
Emmaus Oxford has now begun its Big Christmas Challenge campaign, aiming to raise £20,000 by the 7th December to fund industry-recognised qualifications and training for individuals experiencing homelessness.