Homeless women are being fobbed off and let down

misleading: women and their families can end up trapped in this desperate cycle of homelessness for years. This is because there are no secure social homes to move into and punitive policies such as the benefit cap mean there is no way they can afford private rent.

Toni, who was interviewed for our report, is a lone mother who has just spent her fourth Christmas homeless with her children.

Like many women, Toni lost her home when her relationship broke down and she struggled to find anywhere she could afford on her own. She and her family have been stuck for years in a stop-gap house, which is mouldy, falling apart and inaccessible for her disabled son.

Toni puts on a brave face for her kids every year, telling them, “we’ll be gone by the next” – “but”, she told us, “we’re still here”.

Our emergency helpline is flooded with calls from women like Toni. Many of them feel forgotten about, scared and alone.

One homeless woman who contacted our emergency helpline told us that she felt invisible, like she didn’t matter at all. She described her fears of sleeping rough once her stay in a hotel came to an end.

Despite being disproportionately affected, women tell us they are often fobbed off by the professionals meant to help them.

Of those who took part in our investigation and report, two thirds said professionals made them feel like a burden or worse, treating them in ways they’d experienced from an abusive partner. Over half didn’t know where to get help or how to navigate a maze of services.

What we hear loud and clear is that poor treatment and a lack of tailored support mean women feel like just a number in the system. This can and must change.

IF WE’RE going to turn back the tide on women’s homelessness, we all need to listen to women and better understand their needs. We hope our Fobbed Off report will help the professionals who read it to understand women’s experiences and learn from them, so everyone who finds themselves at the mercy of the housing emergency is given the best support to get back on their feet and into a safe home.

We will also be learning lessons to keep improving our own services, now, and in the future.

With the right support we can make a difference to the lives of women facing homelessness.

Toni is now being supported by Shelter’s services to help her find a safer and more secure home. We are determined to make sure she never feels forgotten about again.

For the women who feel like there’s nowhere to turn, Shelter is here for you every day of the year. ● For free expert advice visit www.shelter.org.uk/get_help. To donate shelter.org.uk/donate