What's Happening?
In Hull, support workers from the ReNew drug and alcohol service are addressing the issue of 'hidden homeless' women who avoid traditional shelters due to safety concerns. These women often seek refuge in public places like 24-hour McDonald's or bus stations,
making them less visible and harder to support. The Switch team, led by Karla Tock, conducts weekly patrols to build trust and offer assistance, including providing essentials like gloves and naloxone. The initiative aims to improve data collection on female rough sleepers, as current government figures significantly underestimate their numbers.
Why It's Important?
The plight of Hull's hidden homeless women highlights the broader issue of gender-specific challenges in homelessness. Women often face greater risks of violence and exploitation, leading them to avoid traditional shelters. This situation underscores the need for tailored support services and policy changes to address their unique needs. The efforts by the Switch team to build trust and provide targeted assistance are crucial in bridging the gap between these women and available resources. The initiative also calls attention to the inadequacies in current data collection methods, which can hinder effective policy-making and resource allocation.
What's Next?
The Switch team will continue their patrols, aiming to engage more women and connect them with support services. There is a push for the government to revise its verification process for rough sleepers to better accommodate women who do not fit the traditional profile. This could lead to policy changes that improve access to housing and support for homeless women. The ongoing efforts to collect accurate data will be vital in shaping future strategies to combat homelessness among women.
