1. Jules Oldham National Policy & Practice Coordinator An understanding of homelessness

2. Stereotype

3. Reality

4. Sometimes you go through life and the wrong thing happens. Jennifer Manske Fenske

5. In Scotland how do we define 'Homelessness'? If: s/he has no accommodation in the UK or elsewhere s/he has no accommodation which is available for the entire househ old to live in together or A person is homeless if s/he has accommodation but: cannot gain access to it living there will lead to violence, or threat of it is a mobile home, or similar and there is no place to pitch or moor it it is overcrowded and it may endanger the health of the occupants it would not be reasonable for her/him to continue to live there it is not permanent S/he is threatened with homelessness if it is likely that s/he will become homeless within 2 months.

6. The Reasons Behind Homelessness - now

7. Hardest to Reach Revolving door scenario Extremely vulnerable Mental Health issues Addiction(s) Low self esteem Poor social skills Chaotic lifestyle Support – or not 'The system' Literacy Trust

8. Where? Number of applications by local authority 2013 – 14 Scotland 36,457 Everywhere

9. Rights Scottish system 2012 commitment Scottish System guarantees that those who lose their home from no fault of their own will be provided with settled accommodation. Housing options encompasses looking at an individual's options in the widest sense, featuring early intervention and exploring all options available to a household.

10. Options Local Authority Friend or family Hostel, or similar (poss B&B) Rent new place (buy new place) Emergency accommodation Rough sleeping Where might you end up living?

11. Challenges Feeling a bit alien Apprehension Possible poor mental health A huge step A lack of money for travel Embarrassment Issues with ID A temporary address A lot of other pressures Low confidence Possibly no phone or internet (access) Health not the highest priority

12. Sometimes you go through life and the wrong thing happens. Jennifer Manske Fenske Jules Oldham National Policy & Practice Coordinator jules@homelessactionscotland.org.uk Any questions?