You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
People in supported housing can’t afford rent after finding jobs, report finds
Supported housing discourages people from looking for jobs as residents are unable to afford rent after securing employment, a charity has found.
Based on interviews with over 80 people without permanent accommodation, the report by Mayday Trust found that people who find work while living in supported housing have to move to alternative accommodation and give up their job, or risk eviction by not declaring their employment.
“If I get a job, my benefits will mess up. I won’t be able to afford my rent, then what? I’m back on the streets,” one interviewee said.
Mayday Trust also found people feel encouraged to make their personal situations worse in order to be prioritised for housing and say there is a “perverse incentive” for people who have overcome their issues and are ready for employment and independent living.
Pat McArdle, chief executive of Mayday Trust, said: “Overall, people told us that they wanted a home where they could feel safe and secure, where they would receive a warm welcome, where they could just get on with their lives. In short, people feel the supported housing system isn’t working and with the growing numbers of people sleeping rough, now is the time to act.”
Related Files
The report will be released at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s (CIH) ‘tackling homelessness and meeting housing need’ conference in Northampton.
Melanie Rees, head of policy and external affairs at the CIH, said: “Supported housing provides a lifeline for people who have suffered homelessness and other devastating experiences such as abuse. It’s clear from this report, however, that many residents are not getting the safe, welcoming and supportive environment they need. We need to examine what we can do as a sector to improve the current situation.”