Supported Housing ‘Discourages Jobseeking’ Claims Report

A new report reveals those living in supported housing are being discouraged from finding work out of fears of unaffordable rent prices.

The report from the Mayday Trust, titled ‘Wisdom Behind Doors’, is based on more than 80 conversations with people in temporary accommodation and further highlights the situations in which supported housing has become a barrier to overcome. Respondents also explained how increasing rent costs meant they would have to find alternative accommodation, even after they had secured a job.

The Mayday Trust work with people from all backgrounds and provides accommodation in challenging circumstances. For many, supported housing seemed the most efficient way to be prioritised for housing, with others rejecting services altogether due to a fear of being labelled or stigmatised.

“I’m scared that once I go into the system, I won’t come out”, said one participant in the report.

The research found that people moving into accommodation didn’t want to feel labelled, stigmatised or that they had to prove themselves in order to remain. What they want is to start rebuilding a sense of purpose and value to their lives. They want to stay somewhere with a decent standard of accommodation which supports them to access education or work.

Respondents said that they wanted a place where they can make friends and maintain contact with their family. They also want the assurance of knowing what to expect from their landlord, including how long they can stay, and what their responsibilities are within the accommodation. Like any tenant, people want access to a feedback and complaints process when the accommodation is not up to standard or things aren’t going well.

CEO of Mayday Trust, Pat McArdle, adds: “Overall, people told us they want a home where they could feel safe and secure, where they would receive a warm welcome, where they could just get on with their lives. In short, people feel the supported housing system isn’t working and with the growing numbers of people sleeping rough now is the time to act.”

You can read the full report at www.maydaytrust.org.uk