Dispelling the myths of Homelessness

Falcon Support Services is doing some incredible work with the homeless in Leicestershire, and while generally, people are supportive of helping the homeless in our community, yet some misconceptions about homeless people prevail.

Even in this day and age, some people believe that wrong choices lead to becoming homeless. Still people face a lot of traumas that lead to things going wrong.

The reality is that homeless people can struggle with mental health and need support; however, they are not necessarily receiving it due to other people’s stereotyping and opinions.

People don’t understand that getting onto the streets is easy, but getting off is so much harder. Losing your job and your house is simple, but getting it back is not trivial. Most people don’t choose to be homeless.

In order to get off the streets, most people need help. Falcon Support Services is there no matter what stage you are at in your homelessness journey. We aim to get people off the streets and to get homeless people’s voices heard, letting them share their experiences and connect, and provide services that ultimately lead to their recovery.

We have set up a community drop-in which is open for people, and a life hub which allows our residents to access wellbeing services, go to social events and workshops, allowing them to talk and meet new people. Our wellbeing staff, Sean and Megan are working hard to provide services that enrich people's lives and give them hope and dignity.

Homelessness is not a choice; Falcon Support Services believe that your today does not define your tomorrow. Here’s some common myths debunked.

Myth 1: Being Homeless is a Choice

Reality:

Most people do not choose to be homeless. Anyone can find themselves sleeping on the streets, no matter what walk of life they are from. The lack of immediate access to affordable housing is the number one reason people become homeless. Like many towns, there is a shortage of homes in Leicestershire, but Falcon Support Services has various solutions to help people get off the streets and rebuild their lives. We have numerous projects which help people who have been homeless get back on the housing ladder and achieve independence.

Other factors that lead to someone experiencing homelessness are untreated mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, discrimination based on gender and sexual identities, poverty, and even disconnection from social safety nets.

Many individuals and families are just one paycheck or unexpected expense away from homelessness. Housing security can also include being unable to pay rent, overcrowding, being forced to move, or having to spend the majority of income on housing.

Myth 2: Homeless People Are Lazy and Don't Want to Work

Reality. ...

Many homeless people want to work and earn a living. However, factors such as being homeless make it harder. For instance, those who are on the streets find it difficult to have access to a shower and clean clothes, which is essential when it comes to presenting at work. If they are sleeping rough, or in a hostel, they also may not have been able to sleep that evening, so they are not able to function when at work. Also, other barriers get in the way of this, including lack of a fixed abode – which can make it difficult to receive correspondence, although we provide care of addresses accepted and even receiving wages and salary is difficult due to many homeless people not having bank accounts. Some homeless people can earn a living by selling The Big Issue. Charities such as Turning Point and even Falcon Support Services provide access to employment and have dedicated staff to help them on their journey to employment.

Myth 3: Homelessness only affects cities not towns

Reality. ...

Homelessness can happen to anyone, anywhere. Small towns like Loughborough and Hinckley have a homelessness problem too. However, in big cities the numbers are more noticeable. The Falcon Centre provides shelter and temporary accommodation to reduce street homeless, but it is still a big issue. Our Rough Sleeper Service aims to prevent and alleviate rough sleeping; we have 12 rooms providing rooms to entrench rough sleepers with a Leicestershire or Rutland local connection. We provide a range of emergency accommodation for those who need emergency housing across Leicestershire and Rutland. This includes the 29-bed Falcon Centre to our drop-in day centre services that provide open access support for those in need in the community. We also offer short term emergency beds across Leicestershire as a solution for local authorities providing temporary accommodation.

We have a young persons pathway to provide specialist provision for age of 35 at Marshalls Court. This consists of 21 bed spaces and the aim of this is to give them independent living skills, AQA Lifewise Training, and provide move on accommodation. Our more independent projects have access to support and are either shared or self-contained and there are multiple properties available in Loughborough and Measham.

As well as Falcon Support Services and Bridgeland Road, Holly and Ivy which are staffed. We have properties in Hinckley as well and unstaffed projects, Towles Mill, Warwick House, Pinfold Jetty and Moor House. We also have contracted beds at Bridgeland Road, Jubilee House with beds in North West Leicestershire beds.

We ensure those who attend our day centres, many of whom live across Leicestershire, have a realistic chance to break the cycle of homelessness and reduce social isolation.

Homelessness is as prevalent in towns like Loughborough as major cities, but it is thanks to Falcon Support Services that it is not such a big problem.

Myth 4: Providing Services to Homeless People Encourages Homelessness.

Reality

We help people get back on their feet. Have you ever been down on your luck and needed a helping hand from a friend, well that is what we do. You wouldn’t turn your back on a friend and we offer services that help people to escape the vicious cycle of homelessness. It can happen to anyone. It could be you one day. As well as crisis services. we also have supported accommodation: a range of shared supported housing that promotes independent living.

We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, accepted, valued. Nobody should be judged for any situation they encounter. They should have access to basic needs, housing, advice, support and opportunities to create a better everyday life. Our approach is to never give up on inspiring change in people living in vulnerable circumstances.

Myth 5: Homeless People Are Dangerous

Homeless people are scared, not dangerous. They are vulnerable, not criminals. Sometimes homelessness can lead to crime but it is wrong to assume that all homeless people are criminals. Sometimes prison is a release from homelessness and sometimes homelessness is because of going to prison, but everyone deserves a chance. We also work with probation workers, social workers, the police and other agencies to ensure the safety of our residents so they don’t pose a danger to themselves or others. If any of our residents or homeless people who access our services need signposting to mental health services, we also work with them to ensure that they get the best possible help. Our motto is “where you are today does not define your tomorrow.” We believe everyone deserves a second chance.