A new report reveals that 33% more LGBTQIA people are seeking help from housing charities to find safe places to live
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGE BY GETTY VIA CANVA
Stonewall Housing has released its inaugural Impact Report, revealing an increase in demand for safe housing among the LGBTQIA community. It highlights the unique factors deepening the housing crisis for the queer community, including discrimination and familial rejection, and therefore the urgent need for specialised support and awareness.
According to the report, there has been a 33% increase in LGBTQIA people seeking help from housing services. The highest driver of homelessness within the community is discrimination and familial rejection – many individuals were forced to leave family homes due to a rejection of their identity. Almost a third of all homeless LGBTQIA people have experienced some form of abuse in their prior homes, making the need for safe housing all the more important.
This was exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis which has made it harder for LGBTQIA people to find alternative housing. “The cost of living crisis has placed LGBTQ+ individuals who face family rejection or are expelled from their homes at even greater risk of homelessness,” said John Stubbs, Stonewall Housing’s director of services.
“Many encounter violence and workplace hostility, leading to unsafe or unstable living conditions. Stonewall Housing offers vital support through advocacy, shelter, and tailored emergency assistance.”
For many LGBTQIA people, mainstream housing providers do not have the training needed to support and understand the unique challenges faced by the community, and therefore provide safe living environments. Stonewall Housing aims to fill that gap, not only through this report but by offering a range of services, including housing help, advocacy, mental health services and so on.
Over 60,000 LGBTQIA people are estimated to be at risk of homelessness across the UK. The demand for safe housing far outnumbers the resources available. For ways to help, visit Stonewall Housing’s website.
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