Homelessness in Norfolk

The absence of visible signs leads some to think that homelessness isn’t a problem
in Norwich. But a lot of young people are sleeping on a friend’s floor, in a garage or
even in car parks.

1 in 6 sleeping rough are under 25

A quarter of homeless applications to local authorities are from those under
25 years.

Homeless young people are from all walks of life and regions of Britain.

National figures are reflected throughout Norfolk and the official Rough Sleepers Count for 2009 found that Norwich had only one less rough sleeper each night than Manchester and Liverpool.

The Reasons

The reasons are vast, but in a lot of cases the problems include neglect, abuse,
poverty and family breakdown.  With these problems life for many becomes intolerable and before long they are faced with no home, no money and no prospects which can lead to a life of petty crime, drug and alcohol abuse and poor physical and mental health. Many
arrive straight from prison or detention, invariably for minor offences; from tagging and curfew orders, bail hostels, care or foster homes.