Wednesday, August 21, 2002

A story published today by the Guardian reports that according to a research conducted by the homeless charity Crisis revealed that more than half of the homeless people in British hostels, bed and breakfast and other temporary accommodation are there because of divorce and relationship breakdown, researchers have found.

The survey revealed that 53% of those it studied lost their home after splitting with a partner or spouse. Britain has the highest divorce rate in Europe, with 40% of marriages failing.

The breakdown of other relationships is also a trigger; 28% of those interviewed were thrown out of home by their parents or stepparents. Almost one in six people - 16% - had fled physical or verbal abuse from partners or relatives.

An estimated 400,000 people in the UK are living in temporary accommodation such as hostels, or "sofa surfing" as they move from friend to friend.

"Family meltdown is the key factor in hidden homelessness," said Shaks Ghosh, chief executive of Crisis, revealing the findings yesterday.

"Anecdotally I have known it because of the stories you hear from homeless people, but to see the figures is quite frightening... It could happen to any of us."

The charity is also launching an advertising campaign to raise awareness of hidden homelessness as it changes its direction. New projects include the Crisis Skylight center in the East End of London, where homeless people will be able to gain a range of skills from DIY to cookery, and a program providing financial support.