Women navigate homelessness very differently to men. The reality is that as a woman, you are more at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. And so women often stay hidden – on sofas, on night buses and in dark corners. Hidden from the dangers of being visible on the streets, but also hidden from the help they desperately need and deserve.
Many women who are homelessness have also experienced domestic abuse and violence in their own homes as well as trauma from their childhood and potentially the removal of children from their care.
No woman should have to hide. And every woman deserves to be treated with dignity, to be seen and heard and feel safe from harm.
We have been working with women experiencing homelessness for many years. We understand that women need services designed just for them. We’re putting our expertise into action by opening more women-only services across London, sharing our knowledge and women’s voices with other organisations and influencing local authorities and service commissioners to develop and commission more gender-informed services.
Every year, thousands of women leaving prison are pushed straight into homelessness. When released, most will leave with very little except a £46 discharge grant and plastic bag holding a few belongings. Read more
We take a look at Project Kali, our award-winning female-focused Housing First service which supports women with complex needs Read more
Amy reflects on how women experience homelessness and the importance of addressing female-specific needs when providing support. Read more