Single parenting and homelessness: a growing crisis

In 2022, over 60% of homeless families in England were single-parent, a troubled statistic that sheds light on the intersection between single parenthood and housing instability. Even more startling, Shelter revealed that 1 in 7 single-parent households renting privately are facing homelessness within weeks. A report by the Single Homeless Project charity found that 1 in 38 lone mothers in England are homeless. These numbers highlight an urgent crisis, where single-parent households are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

The struggle of single-parent households

Single-parent families are often more vulnerable to homelessness due to several interlinked factors. Unlike two-parent families, single parents must shoulder the full burden of providing for their children while managing household costs on a single income. This makes it more difficult to cover basic living expenses, let alone cope with the increasing costs of rent, utilities, and essential items.

💴 Lower incomes

Single-parent households generally have lower incomes that dual-parent families. This gap stems from multiple sources: limited working hours due to childcare responsibilities, lower-paying jobs, and the loss of a partner’s income. When faced with rising living costs and stagnant wages, many single-parent families find themselves unable to keep up with rent payments or meet the costs of living.

📃Impact of the benefit cap

In the UK, government-imposed benefit caps place a limit on the amount of financial assistance available to households. Single-parent families are especially vulnerable to this cap, as their overall income is typically lower. The benefit cap has led to an increase in rent arrears, eviction notes, and forced relocations, pushing more single parents into homelessness. In many cases, even working single parents are subject to these financial restrictions, creating a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.

🤚Limited access to support services

Single parents often face challenges in accessing essential support services like affordable childcare, housing assistance, and employment opportunities. Without access to affordable childcare, single parents may find it difficult to work full-time, which limits their earning potential. The lack of financial stability increases the risk of eviction and housing insecurity. Additionally, navigating government services, legal processes, and rental agreements can be overwhelming for a lone parent managing these responsibilities without support.

👩‍👦Fear of losing children

One of the less discussed reasons why some single parents avoid seeking help is the fear of losing custody of their children. Many single parents worry that if they disclose their housing struggles, social services might intervene, leading to their children being taken into care. This fear discourages some from seeking the help they desperately need, whether it’s financial support or temporary shelter.

How are we helping?

At Stef & Philips Foundation, we understand the unique challenges that single-parent households face. We remain committed to providing targeted support – as of today, 37% of all our grants have been awarded to single-parent families residing in temporary and emergency accommodation. We believe that by providing tailored financial support, we can help single parents access vital resources to rebuild their lives. Our mission is to provide practical support so that these families can focus on building a brighter future for themselves. We are grateful for every donation that allows us to continue this work, as every penny goes directly into helping people in need.

Who else can help?

If you are a single parent facing financial hardship or housing difficulties, remember that help is available. Below are a few organisations dedicated to providing resources, support and guidance for single-parent families:

• Gingerbread: A national charity that offers advice and support for single-parent families, including help with benefits, housing, and employment.
• SPSAS: A group offering online and in-person support, covering topics like financial management, parenting challenges and legal aid.
• Turn2us: A charity focused on tackling financial insecurity through grants, welfare advice, and practical resources.

Donate today to help us support single-parent households in London.

Thank you for your support. 🙏💙