Good Morning, Radicals!
So we're starting off Monday with some Radical myth busting.
One of our favourite things to do, especially when it comes to reframing the narrative about homeless folks.
So here are 7 myths about homeless people that are easily debunked in case we have any 'it's a lifestyle choice' humans who accidentally followed our page!
1. All homeless people use drugs and alcohol.
According to a report by Homeless Link (2018), only 27% of homeless individuals reported drug dependency, and 37% reported alcohol dependency.
2. All homeless people are uneducated.
Homeless Link's survey (2020) found that 42% of homeless individuals had at least a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSEs), indicating a range of educational backgrounds among the homeless population.
3. All homeless people are single and without caregiving or parental responsibilities.
Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2020) showed that family homelessness accounted for over 56% of those in temporary accommodation in England, highlighting that homelessness affects families, not just individuals.
4. Homelessness and criminality are synonymous.
Research by Crisis (2019) found that while homeless people may have higher interaction with the police but that this is often due to their visibility and societal factors, not an increased propensity for criminal behavior.
5. Homeless people are unskilled.
A survey by Homeless Link (2020) indicated that many homeless individuals possess diverse skills but are often unable to find employment due to various barriers, including the lack of a fixed address.
6. Homeless people are lazy.
A study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2018) emphasized that the leading causes of homelessness include structural factors like unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues, rather than a lack of personal ambition.
7. People who are homeless are beyond help.
With the right support, including access to housing and health services, many homeless individuals can and do make the transition to stable living situations. We have placed hundreds of homeless people into work over the years. Can vouch!
This is a photo of Emma Freivogel, our founder, and our Radical, Steve who was thirty years homeless when she met him. It took six weeks of intensive support and few thousand quid to support him into his first job, and secure accommodation which he remain in, almost four years on.
The proof is in the pudding.
____________________________________________
Radical is funded through sponsorship. Our partners are some of the best. APN Group, Sage and Sky are a few of many awesome businesses who support our work and reap the #CSR, #ESG and #SocialValue benefits.
Could your business be next?
Holla at Kirsty Palmer, Alisha Bobb, Chris Thomas or Holly Robinson for a chat about how your business can transform the life of a Radical like our Steve.
Or email us at hello@radicalrecruit.co.uk