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Harsh winter

October 01 2024
© Emdad Rahman © Emdad Rahman

On the challenges facing homeless people during winter and the urgent action needed to reverse a worsening crisis. By Emdad Rahman

Winter brings great change, requiring the greatest adjustments on our part in order to ride through what is so often a rollercoaster experience.

This winter will again be one of hardship for so many who suffer the human cost of homelessness.

It is also the time of year when organisations supporting homeless people are bursting at the seams and are often thankful for the respite provided by the springing up of an epic number of pop-up projects and outreach programmes, all by people of goodwill who are on the lookout to do something special for their fellow humans.

The harsh reality of homelessness is exacerbated during the winter months, when temperatures plummet and conditions become increasingly perilous. For those living on the streets, the frigid weather poses a significant threat to their health, wellbeing and even their lives. Homeless people face great challenges during the winter months, with so many experiencing physical and mental health implications.

During a period of time where we are faced with a strain on public finances and trying to stay afloat during a prolonged cost-of-living crisis, after a major global pandemic, it is heartening that there are still support services available.
There are broader societal factors contributing to this crisis that obviously need to be addressed, but an immediate danger faced by homeless people during winter is hypothermia.

Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to a rapid decline in body temperature, which can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Additionally, the cold weather can exacerbate existing health conditions such as respiratory illnesses, arthritis and heart disease.

Sleeping rough in the elements can also lead to a range of other health problems, including frostbite, trench foot and skin infections. These conditions can be painful and debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to find employment or access essential services.

Beyond the physical toll, the mental health impact of homelessness during winter is equally devastating. The constant struggle to survive in harsh conditions can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair and isolation. Many homeless individuals may also experience trauma related to past experiences of abuse, violence or loss.

The combination of physical and mental health challenges can create a vicious cycle, with individuals struggling to cope with the demands of daily life and seeking solace in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

In response to the urgent needs of the homeless population during winter, a range of support services are available across the UK.

These services include:

  • Emergency shelters, providing temporary accommodation and basic necessities
  • Soup kitchens offering hot meals and additional support, such as advice on housing and healthcare
  • Outreach services working directly with homeless individuals on the streets.

You can find details on a number of these services near you in the List in the centre pages of the Pavement.

While these services are vital, they often struggle to meet the demand, particularly during the coldest months of the year. Additionally, accessing these services can be challenging for individuals who may face barriers such as language difficulties, lack of identification or mental health issues.

The problem of homelessness in our towns and cities is complex and multifaceted. A number of societal factors contribute to the increasing number of individuals living on the streets, including:

  • Housing affordability: the rising cost of housing, combined with stagnant wages, has made it increasingly difficult for many people to secure affordable accommodation
  • Welfare reforms: cuts to welfare benefits and changes to housing regulations have made it more difficult for vulnerable individuals to maintain their housing
  • Mental health and addiction services: inadequate funding for mental health and addiction services can lead to individuals becoming homeless as they struggle to cope with their conditions.

Addressing the root causes of homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that involves investment in affordable housing, social welfare programmes, mental health services and measures to combat social exclusion.

The plight of homeless people during the harsh winter period is a pressing social issue that demands urgent attention. By understanding the challenges faced by this vulnerable population and supporting the services that seek to address their needs, we can work towards a more compassionate and equitable society.

< Change is constant Homeless ombudsman >
October – November 2024 : Change

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