Rural Homelessness

Often policies and services addressing homelessness have focused on urban areas, as this is often where issues are more visible. However many rural areas have to deal with extremely vulnerable people with limited resources therefore specific approaches are required to support these clients. Issues around costs, accessibility of services and partnership working, are of particular relevance to rural agencies.

Because there is often a shortage of affordable housing, job opportunities and homelessness services in many rural areas, homelessness often remains 'hidden', with people staying with friends and relatives or living in overcrowded or poor housing. In addition, some people facing homelessness end up migrating to towns and cities.

A recent National Housing Federation study found that in 2009/10 rural homelessness had increased by 25%. There are very few services for homeless people located in rural areas and with the recent trend toward Local Authority disinvestment in homelessness service providers the problem of rural homelessness may continue to increase.

Despite the differences of service provision in rural areas compared to urban areas good practice can still be shared. Homeless Link was recently funded by Capacity Builders to develop targeted support for agencies working with homeless people, or people at risk of homelessness, in rural areas. The full report, Supporting homelessness agencies to deliver services in rural areas can be downloaded here.

Useful Resources

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) publishes several papers, including an annual State of The Countryside Report, giving the latest definitive picture of rural England. It also has an online best practice database, with case studies of services from across the country as well as the report Preventing Homelessness in the Countryside... What Works? which can be downloaded here.

The Improvement & Develepment Agency (IDeA) promotes good practice and service development in local government. Their website includes dedicated good practice resources and case studies, highlighting the work of councils across the country, with particular examples of those working in rural areas.

The Rural Services Network is a group of more than 250 organisations working together to improve the delivery of rural services across England. The network has three main purposes: representing the case for a better deal for rural service provision; exchanging useful and relevant information; developing and sharing best practice. The website is regularly updated with the latest news and information for organisations working in rural areas.

To find out about specific rural areas visit our work in regions.