Jotepreet Bhandal, campaigns, policy and research manager, Akt; Heather McCluskey, implementation lead, Centre for Homelessness Impact
...moreHow LGBTQ+ youth are affected by the housing crisis
Jotepreet Bhandal and Heather McCluskey argue that Pride is an opportunity for the sector to look at the effects of the housing crisis on young LGBTQ+ people
Jotepreet Bhandal @aktcharity and Heather McCluskey @homelessimpact argue that #Pride is an opportunity for the sector to look at the effects of the housing crisis on young LGBTQ+ people #UKhousingAs leaders at Akt and the Centre for Homelessness Impact, we know first-hand the challenges facing young LGBTQ+ people during a time of economic hardship and anxiety. The cost of living crisis is particularly acute for young people, and the intersection of this crisis with housing and homelessness disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ youth.
Amid a severe housing crisis exacerbated by inflationary pressures, stories of exorbitant rental increases and devastating evictions have become all too common. Young LGBTQ+ people are often the first to be forced out of their homes, experiencing discrimination and distressing circumstances.
Shockingly, 50% of LGBTQ+ people feel at risk of eviction due to family discrimination and other factors. With rising rents and insufficient temporary and social accommodation, there is no safety net for these vulnerable young people.
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Housing and homelessness are intrinsically linked to LGBTQ+ people, who face a multitude of factors that contribute to their increased risk of homelessness. Substance abuse and mental health crises disproportionately affect our community, often stemming from or leading to poverty. These challenges isolate LGBTQ+ youth in an expensive housing market, exacerbating their vulnerability. Homelessness, in turn, exposes them to heightened risks of sexual exploitation and hate crimes.
“50% of LGBTQ+ people feel at risk of eviction due to family discrimination and other factors”
Addressing the housing crisis requires mapping effective interventions, and the Centre for Homelessness Impact provides invaluable tools and evidence. The organisation’s recommendations include supporting substance abuse treatment, increasing mental health provisions, providing emergency accommodation, and implementing rapid rehousing solutions. These solutions, benefiting society as a whole, are particularly crucial for safeguarding the LGBTQ+ community.
At Akt, our mission is to provide safe and affordable housing to LGBTQ+ youth. We know that housing is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to ensuring that all LGBTQ+ youth have access to a safe and stable home. We also provide a range of other support services, including mentoring, job training and financial assistance.
As the Renters’ Reform Bill returns to parliament this year, we must emphasise the essential issue of regulating landlord discrimination, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Ending Section 21 and preventing vetting in the private rented sector are crucial steps, given the skyrocketing rents that exacerbate the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people.
Pride has always been a protest, and as leaders, we call upon policymakers, housing providers and employers to seize this moment. Let us examine the unique effects of the housing crisis on the LGBTQ+ community and take precautionary action to prevent increased homelessness among this vulnerable segment of society. By working together, we can ensure a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth, free from the fear of homelessness and discrimination.
“Pride has always been a protest, and as leaders, we call upon policymakers, housing providers and employers to seize this moment”
The housing crisis and its detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ youth demand immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. By implementing evidence-based solutions, advocating for robust emergency safety nets and regulating discrimination, we can create a society where all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to safe and affordable housing.
Let us use the spirit of Pride to drive positive change and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
Jotepreet Bhandal, campaigns, policy and research manager, Akt; Heather McCluskey, implementation lead, Centre for Homelessness Impact
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