“We have been homeless for the last 12 months. I have just been offered a property, and I am starting off with nothing”
Furniture poverty can contribute to homelessness and can be difficult to escape from when moving on from homelessness. Going into debt to acquire essential items, some of the most expensive items people on low incomes can buy, can contribute to arrears which is one of the leading causes of homelessness. Families often have to leave essential items of furniture behind when they move to temporary accommodation, meaning those who are fortunate enough to be awarded a social home often start off with nothing.
People who are homeless are often given a priority need on social housing waiting lists and, as a result, they tend to access this type of property. Being provided with a house should be the start of a new life for people who have become homeless, but, sadly, it can often lead to and perpetuate furniture poverty as only 2% of social housing is let as furnished. This means that most people who are coming from homelessness will be placed into an empty box, without any furniture, appliances, flooring, or window coverings.
This report reveals the views of those who have been homeless and homelessness charities as they join our fight for 10% of social homes to be let as furnished and to Make a House a Home.
