Why is true scale of women’s homelessness unknown?

In 2024, 680 women (15% of the total) were recorded to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn.

However, we know that this number is likely to be much higher.

Homeless Link reports that women make up 60% of those who are homeless and in temporary accommodation.

Why are women experiencing homeless 'hidden'?

Instead, women tend experience 'hidden homelessness' where they are more likely to stay in precarious accommodation or other less visible places.

Because they are not visible to the public this means that they are not included in statutory homelessness statistics.

Because women are absent from official figures, it can be assumed that there isn’t the need for specialist support.

Why are women less likely to seek support?

For women, homelessness is often shaped by fear. Sleeping on the streets can feel unsafe, so many hide in public places, cars, or remain in dangerous relationships just to survive.

While hidden from public view and the support networks that are there to help them, women who are facing homelessness might not be aware of the services around them.

Women can feel unsafe accessing services where men are present and when the impact of gender is not recognised by the service in design or delivery, women face additional barriers to accessing and benefiting from the support available.

At Julian House, our support is trauma-informed, gender-sensitive, and tailored to each individual.

Our outreach teams don’t just find people, they listen, adapt, and help them take the first step toward stability and safety.

Introducing the Haven: offering specialist support for women experiencing homelessness.

In June 2025, Julian House begun operating at 'The Haven', a new housing scheme in Weymouth with 24/7 onsite support services for six female ex-rough sleepers.

The Haven is funded by Dorset Council to project which creates a safe space for 6 women at a time who need specialist support, free from harm and danger and to reduce the risk of them becoming homeless.

 Because homelessness doesn’t always look how you expect, but every person affected deserves to be seen and supported.