A growing number of individuals are experiencing "hidden homelessness," resorting to sleeping in cars, garages, or staying with friends and family due to the increasing difficulty of finding affordable accommodation and jobs that cover essential living costs. Cherisse Dealtry, CEO of the York Road Project in Surrey, stated that this form of homelessness has persisted for a long time but is now on the rise.
"Anyone's going to try and support their family or friends to have somewhere to stay rather than see them sleeping on the street," Dealtry said. She noted that people are finding it "really difficult to find good accommodation at a reasonable price and a job that covers all the bills."
Additionally, a surge in hidden homelessness has been attributed to landlords evicting tenants ahead of the Renters' Rights Act implementation. The impact of such situations, even for those temporarily housed with others, is significant, according to Dealtry. Affected individuals often face uncertainty, stress, poor mental health, and challenges in maintaining employment, relationships, and access to essential services.
The York Road Project, which assists individuals with housing and mental health issues, described the situation as "an indictment of a broken system" and emphasized that "homelessness is not a lifestyle choice."
The charity is advocating for increased government funding to address the issue and calls for the construction of more social housing. "There's not enough money in order to support people before they meet crisis point," Dealtry added.
Dealtry highlighted that the true scale of hidden homelessness is likely underestimated because it is inherently difficult to measure. "It's hidden because you just don't know about it," she explained. The reluctance to admit to financial difficulties and ask for help contributes to its concealed nature. "It is such a hard thing for people to accept that things aren't going so well. Asking for help is a really stigmatic thing to do - [you] get on with it and hope things will change."
Dealtry also addressed the societal perception of homelessness, stating, "Everyone believes that when you become homeless it's your fault, but it's not. There are so many things that can factor in to what happens to someone."