Homelessness and Poverty: Raising Awareness
Homelessness and Poverty can happen to anyone, often through no fault of their own. From sleeping rough on the streets to staying in temporary shelters or “sofa surfing” with friends, thousands of people in Kent face the daily uncertainty of not having a safe, stable home. For many, poverty is both a cause and a consequence - making it harder to afford essentials like food, heating, and rent. This month, we’re focusing on the growing need for support, the local impact in our communities, and the ways we can come together to create hope and change.
What does being Homeless mean?
Homelessness means not having a safe, secure, and stable place to live. It can take several forms:
Rough sleeping – living on the streets, in doorways, parks, or other public spaces.
Temporary accommodation – staying in hostels, shelters, bed-and-breakfast hotels, or other short-term housing arranged by councils or charities.
Hidden homelessness – “sofa surfing” with friends or family, living in cars, sheds, or other places not intended for habitation.
It can be caused by a mix of factors: loss of income, eviction, domestic abuse, family breakdown, mental health challenges, substance misuse, or a lack of affordable housing.
What is Poverty?
Poverty means not having enough money or resources to meet basic needs - such as food, clothing, heating, and housing - at an acceptable standard of living.
It can be measured in different ways:
Absolute poverty – lacking the basic means of survival (rare in the UK but present in severe cases).
Relative poverty – earning less than 60% of the national median income, meaning you can’t fully participate in normal society.
Causes can include low wages, unemployment, high living costs, health problems, discrimination, and systemic inequality.
How do they connect?
Poverty makes people more vulnerable to homelessness - if you can’t afford rent, bills, or deposits, you’re at higher risk of losing your home.
Homelessness can deepen poverty - without an address, it’s harder to get a job, claim benefits, or access services.
Both often create cycles of disadvantage, affecting health, education, and future opportunities.
A Snapshot of the Crisis in Kent:
Rough Sleeping - Porchlight counted 126 rough sleepers in autumn 2023 across Kent—an increase of more than 50% from the year before. Canterbury, Dover, and Maidstone are among the towns with the highest visible rough sleeping levels.
Hidden homelessness – Local charities like Catching Lives warn that many more people are sofa surfing or living in unsafe temporary arrangements, especially young people aged 18–25.
Temporary accommodation pressure – Kent councils spend millions annually placing families in B&Bs or hostels, often far from their original communities, disrupting children’s schooling and support networks.
Cuts to services – Funding reductions have forced some hostels and outreach programs to reduce capacity, even as demand rises.
Emergency Winter Funding:
In the winter of 2024, local councils in Kent - including Canterbury and Medway - were allocated emergency funds totalling around £700,000 to help support vulnerable groups like veterans, care leavers, and domestic abuse survivors.
Poverty in Kent:
High cost of living – Kent’s proximity to London pushes up rents and house prices in many areas (especially commuter towns like Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells), while wages in some sectors remain below the South East average.
Pockets of deprivation – According to the UK’s Index of Multiple Deprivation, areas like Thanet, Swale, and parts of Dover rank among the most deprived in England, with high unemployment, lower educational attainment, and poorer health outcomes.
Child poverty – In some wards of Thanet and Swale, over 30% of children are estimated to be living in households below the poverty line.
Fuel and food insecurity – Food banks across Kent (e.g., Trussell Trust branches in Canterbury, Maidstone, and Folkestone) report rising demand, with some citing double-digit percentage increases year-on-year.
Watch this video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eH2tQQ6kek
Everyone Deserves Care, No Matter Their Story:
When we talk about homelessness, it’s important to remember that it isn’t just people who suffer – their pets are deeply affected too. For many people experiencing homelessness, a dog is their closest companion and often their only source of comfort, security, and unconditional love.
That’s where StreetVet UK makes such a difference. StreetVet is a registered charity that provides free veterinary care and support to pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness. From vaccinations and microchipping to urgent treatments and essential supplies, their dedicated volunteer vets and nurses ensure that these much-loved animals receive the care they deserve.
Our nearest StreetVet outreach teams are currently based in London and Brighton, where they run regular street clinics and work closely with hostels and support services. But that doesn't mean we can't play a part. There are many ways we can support them and the vital work they do, whether that’s spreading awareness, donating, or helping provide essential supplies. By caring for pets, StreetVet also helps to protect the powerful bond between people and their animals; a bond that can mean hope, stability, and love in the most difficult of circumstances.
???? Find out more about StreetVet’s work on their website: www.streetvet.co.uk
???? You can also watch this short video to see StreetVet in action and hear the difference they make first-hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An4uLiSSKQg
How can we help?
Support Homeless Charities – Whether through donations, fundraising, or volunteering your time, homeless charities provide vital support, shelter, and hope for those most in need.
StreetVet – For people experiencing homelessness, pets are often their closest companions. StreetVet is a wonderful charity that provides free veterinary care, ensuring no one has to choose between caring for their pet and themselves.
Food Banks – Local food banks rely on community donations of non-perishable items and toiletries to help families and individuals who are struggling. Even one tin or packet can make a real difference.
Suspended Coffee Scheme – A simple but powerful initiative where you can pay for two coffees but only drink one. The second is held ‘in suspension’ and can be claimed by someone in need. Particularly in the cold winter months, a warm drink can provide comfort, dignity, and kindness
Homelessness and poverty can affect anyone, but together we can play a part in building a kinder, more supportive community. Every act, no matter how small, helps make life a little brighter for someone else.
Further help and support:
Kent connect – support and resources for homeless people
https://kent.connecttosupport.org/information-and-advice/housing/homelessness/homelessness/
Homeless link – working with organisations that support homeless people
https://homeless.org.uk/
Crisis – a national charity for homeless people
https://www.crisis.org.uk/
Talk to your safeguarding team at IPS International