By Shaelyn Stout
A recent study from Shelter, a nationwide homelessness and housing charity, reported Haringey to have one of the highest rates of child homelessness in England. They note 1 in every 12 children in the North London borough face the issue.
The city’s housing crisis has put countless people on the streets or in temporary housing, including many families with children. According to Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, “families become homeless when they are evicted from private rented accommodation.”
Councils across London blame years of cuts for their lack of housing and homelessness solutions.
When asked about Shelter’s report and what the borough is doing for child homelessness, Haringey Council’s Senior Communications Officer Nicholas Sowemimo said “[he was] aware of the report,” but did not comment further.
Polly Neate of Shelter did mention that “councils are not allowed by law to have children sleeping rough.” However, unstable living conditions in hostels and B&B’s are not the best alternatives.
It is a “truly traumatic experience [to be a homeless child]” Neate says, adding, “it can affect their physical and mental health, school life and relationships.”
While Shelter does not have a location in Haringey, their Hackney hub provides housing advice, family support and legal help to homeless children and their families across North London.
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