Welfare Reform on the Web (June 2003): Homelessness - UK

ACHIEVING POSITIVE OUTCOMES ON HOMELESSNESS: A HOMELESSNESS DIRECTORATE ADVICE NOTE TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Homelessness Directorate

London: 2003

Provides advice on positive outcomes the Homelessness Directorate would like to see local authorities achieve on homelessness in 2003-04. It does not represent statutory guidance. It is based on analysis of good practice, data and research as well as discussions with local authorities and other homelessness agencies around the country.

BETTER TIMES THAN THIS: YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN BRITAIN

T. Hall

London: Pluto Press, 2003

This book explores the life of the homeless, the hostels, bedsits and life on the streets. It gives detailed accounts of young people's experiences of being homeless.

A DECADE OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

S. McKenzie

Housing, Apr. 2003, p.14-17

Reports an interview with the chief executive of the Foyers Federation. Foyers provide homeless young people with accommodation, training opportunities, and help in finding employment.

LET'S PULL TOGETHER

B. Moore

Community Care, Mar. 27^th - Apr. 2^nd 2003, p. 40-41

The Homelessness Act 2003 lays a duty on Housing and Social Services Departments to work together to produce a joint strategy for tackling the problem. Article discusses the reluctance of some Social Services Departments to engage with the process.

LOCAL CONNECTION CRITERIA AND SINGLE HOMELESS PEOPLE'S GEOGRAPHICAL MOBILITY: EVIDENCE FROM BRIGHTON AND HOVE

J. May

Housing Studies, vol. 18, 2003, p. 29-46

In December 2001 Brighton and Hove City Council introduced a set of local connection criteria aimed at stemming the flow of homeless people apparently moving to the city in search of services. Under the new criteria, only those previously resident in Brighton can make use of the city's hostels and night shelters. Paper examines the movements of 41 homeless men interviewed at a hostel and night shelter in Brighton prior to the introduction of the new rule. The majority were found to have recently moved to the city having become homeless elsewhere. An examination of the men's reasons for coming to Brighton suggests that future movement of single homeless people to Brighton is unlikely to be significantly affected by such policies.

OLD BEFORE OUR TIME

Salvation Army Homeless Research In Association With Help The Aged

Bristol: 2003

Research aimed to:

• look at how age affects housing options for homeless people in Bristol;
• find out through case studies what support is needed in the resettlement process;
• examine how existing service provision meets the needs of older homeless people.

Identified needs for:

• high support sheltered housing schemes;
• mentoring schemes and counselling services to provide social and emotional support;
• long term tenancy support;
• financial help with furnishing a flat.