This year, World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day share the same date– 10th October. This shared date highlights how these issues are often experienced together. Poor mental health can be both a cause and a result of homelessness. Across our 7 homelessness property funds - the National Homelessness Property Fund 1 & 2, Resonance Everyone In Fund, Real Lettings Property Funds 1 & 2, Resonance Supported Homes Fund, and the Women in Safe Homes fund - we’re proud to have housed and supported people experiencing homelessness and poor mental health issues, and see an improvement in mental health issues as a safe home is provided. 

Experiencing homelessness can often lead to poor mental health. Our Women in Safe Homes fund, houses and supports women escaping domestic violence or leaving prison with nowhere to go. Out of the 183 women housed by the Women in Safe Homes fund so far, 68% of them reported that they were experiencing mental ill health. However, a safe and stable home often provides the basis for improving mental health - after moving into their new home, 83% of the women housed by the fund reported improved mental health.  

Through the work of another of our funds, National Homelessness Property Fund 2, tenant Lee describes how mental health was a cause and result of him experiencing homelessness: “I fell into a period of poor mental health that led to me becoming homeless and I sofa surfed for several years before entering the hostel system in central Birkenhead. During the pandemic, I was living in the YMCA in Birkenhead; this was a challenging time. It was very difficult to access support from specialist services for mental and physical health but most of all, it was difficult for me to remain in contact with my children. My physical and mental health deteriorated, and I was very low.” The fund was able to provide a home and support for Lee, allowing him to move out of homelessness and begin to improve his mental health. “I’m able to make health appointments now and get to them as my doctor is really close. I also am able to now have visits to my flat from my mental health support worker. It’s got me in a place where it’s a good start for the future.” 

Another fund tackling homelessness and improving mental health for tenants is the Resonance Supported Homes Fund which provides a solution to the desperate housing shortage that leaves thousands of adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues living in inappropriate housing, or on long waiting lists for housing. Rachel, supported by one of the fund’s housing partner United Response, is one of the tenants. She is vulnerable, has learning disabilities and mental health challenges, and requires 24-hour support. Rachel’s housing support officer reported that in the six weeks since she moved into her new home, it had already had such a positive impact on her wellbeing. Rachel has said herself that her new home has “changed her life” and that it is so lovely she “feels like a queen!” 

These are just three examples of how the property funds are working to tackle the intersection between homelessness and mental health issues. As World Homeless Day & World Mental Day draw attention to important connections between these two issues, we are continuing to work hard in supporting people experiencing both of these issues.