Couples

Although the term 'single homeless people' is often used, there are also many homeless couples. Couples are often unable to live together in hostels and some remain on the streets rather than separate. There are however some responses to this issue.

Context

Homeless couples without children will not necessarily qualify for help under homelessness legislation (unless they meet the criteria). Many hostels and supported accommodation projects see themselves as providing accommodation for single homeless people. The situation is often exacerbated by rules banning the other sex from all or part of projects and on overnight stays.

The 2010 Survey of Needs and Provision (SNAP) shows that the number of projects that report no demand from couples has decreased significantly from  70% in 2008 to 23% in 2010, meaning that more projects are seeing homeless couples.

Solutions

The Homeless UK accommodation search can be used to find hostel provision that accepts and/or targets couples.

Many organisations, including St Mungo's and Thames Reach have hostel provision available to homeless couples without children. They have taken steps to address some of the complications of working with couples. These include issues over benefits and confidentiality.

The Dawn Centre in Leicester is a project providing temporary accommodation, support, advice and assistance on health, housing, life skills and education all in one place. Two of its 42 rooms are for couples and the centre has a positive attitude towards residents forming relationships.

Further information

In 2007, the Guardian ran an interview with Homeless Link trainer Mike Seal on the issue of homeless couples.