The Hidden Homeless: Why You Don’t Have to Be on the Streets to Need Support
When people think about homelessness, they often imagine someone sleeping rough. But the truth is, many people experiencing homelessness are hidden from sight. This ‘hidden homelessness’ affects individuals who are sofa surfing, living in temporary accommodation, or staying in unsafe housing - and it is just as urgent as the homelessness we see on the streets.
At the Daylight Centre Fellowship, we work with people experiencing hidden homelessness every day. We understand that the challenges they face are complex and often overlooked, which is why we provide both immediate help and long-term support.
What is Hidden Homelessness?
Hidden homelessness refers to situations where people do not have a secure, permanent home but are not sleeping rough. It includes:
- Sofa surfing with friends or family.
- Living in overcrowded or unsafe accommodation.
- Staying in hostels or temporary housing without a clear path to stability.
These situations often go unreported in official statistics, which means the scale of the issue is larger than most people realise.
Why Hidden Homelessness Matters
Although less visible, hidden homelessness can have serious consequences. It often leaves people without privacy, security, or stability. This can affect mental health, physical health, education, and employment opportunities.
Living in unstable housing situations can lead to:
- Chronic stress and anxiety.
- Increased risk of exploitation or abuse.
- Difficulty accessing services due to lack of a permanent address.
How Businesses in Wellingborough Can Help
Local businesses have a powerful role to play in tackling hidden homelessness. From small cafés to large offices, every organisation can make a difference:
- Offer employment opportunities or work placements to people in temporary accommodation.
- Provide goods or services to support individuals moving into stable housing.
- Partner with charities like the Daylight Centre to raise awareness and fund support programmes.
- Host fundraising events or make regular donations.
How the Daylight Centre Supports People Facing Hidden Homelessness
Our team offers practical and emotional support to people in unstable housing situations. This includes:
- Helping them navigate housing applications and find safe, long-term accommodation.
- Providing access to essential items such as food, toiletries, and clothing.
- Connecting them with healthcare, benefits advice, and mental health support.
- Offering a safe space where they can feel heard, respected, and supported.
Our trauma-informed approach ensures that we work with compassion, understanding the complex challenges that people face.
Take Action Today
Hidden homelessness is a growing problem in Wellingborough, but it is one that we can tackle together. By supporting the Daylight Centre, you can help provide the services and opportunities that give people the chance to rebuild their lives.
Find out more about our work, get involved, or make a donation today by visiting our website.
Together, we can make hidden homelessness impossible to ignore.