Press Release

New Homeless Link survey reveals one in seven people using London homelessness services are from Eastern Europe

5 September 2006

Homeless Link calls for co-ordinated action to address their needs

A small but significant number of Eastern Europeans (otherwise known as A8 nationals) are turning to London’s homelessness services for help, according to new research published by Homeless Link today (5 September 2006).

Migration from the new EU countries has contributed an estimated £240 million to the economy in the first eight months alone since May 2004. The vast majority of those who have come to the UK have found work, accommodation and a place in the community. As the study reveals, however, some have found themselves homeless and destitute.

Surveying day centres, night shelters and outreach teams in London over a one-week period, the study revealed that one in seven of people accessing their services are A8 nationals. The majority of these can and want to work, and only need short-term help to get a job and a place to live, as well as language support.

Although homelessness agencies are responding to these needs with the limited resources at their disposal, they do not believe that their services are appropriate for this group, and they want to prevent A8 nationals from getting caught in the cycle of homelessness. 

Jenny Edwards, Homeless Link’s Chief Executive, said:

‘The people who are turning to homelessness services for assistance are clearly at risk, and our members are finding ways to support them.

‘But homelessness charities are not equipped to meet the needs of Eastern European nationals seeking work and advice about the UK system.  We are calling for co-ordinated action by Government to make sure that this new and emerging problem does not put at risk the very significant progress that has been made in tackling rough sleeping.’