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2001/2002
Annual Report
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| West London Initiative on Single Homelessness |
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The People Who Use The Service
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"People who are homeless include those who are living on the streets,
in abandoned buildings, vehicles, shelters, hotels, or temporarily staying
with family or friends."
London Social Planning Council London Homelessness
Survey (1998/03/23)
| There is no such thing as an average guest/client, they
may be any age, race or gender. Why they are homeless is equally variable
and studies have identified many causes. |
Research by Centrepoint found that 86% of homeless young
people had been forced to leave home rather than choosing to.
Older homeless people identify family crises as the main factors, especially
widowhood or marital breakdown, as well as eviction, redundancy,
mental illness and inability to cope after leaving the armed forces or
long stay institutions. |
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Once on the streets, the stresses of just surviving make it difficult to
get back into mainstream society. Without stable accommodation, finding
work is even more difficult and health also begins to suffer. Very quickly
a vicious circle develops.
Even if these difficulties are overcome, once in their new home, there
are still many challenges to face, including managing household expenditure
within the monies available through the benefits system and integration
into local society.
Being with people who do not judge them and who treat them with respect
helps them cope and with a little help and support, slowly regain their
lives.
| Name |
Dave |
| Day job |
Labourer |
| WISH jobs |
Service user |
| Favourite Food |
Chips |
| How WISH makes a difference |
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