How women are affected by homelessness

Going beyond the statistics

What do the numbers tell us about a woman’s experience of homelessness? For example, according to homeless statistics in Scotland:

• 23% of women become homeless due to disputes within the household, compared to 5% of men.
• Women tend to spend longer in temporary accommodation, an average of 243 days compared to 215 days for men, though men are more likely to use this service.

But what do we truly know about the individuals behind those numbers?

Research shows that women face complex issues when their living situations deteriorate, and, on many occasions, there is an overwhelming sense of exclusion. While homelessness for both men and women is often caused by a combination of events, the triggers and experiences of women’s homelessness tends to be of a distinct nature.

There remains a stigma around discussing women’s issues as separate from broader systemic issues. Historically, women have been expected to “get on with it,” not make a fuss, and take care of the family. Even today, women often bear more caregiving responsibilities, including for older relatives. This makes women’s homelessness even more invisible, as it becomes harder for them to ask for help.

 

In the same circumstances as men, women are often more vulnerable

The statistics show that women are more often fleeing domestic abuse or violence – this is the biggest cause for women becoming homeless and it feeds into the relationship break downs.

Many women experience mental health challenges, substance dependencies, difficult childhoods, and have faced sexual abuse and other traumatic life experiences. Homeless women are also more likely to have mental health conditions due to physical and sexual abuse.

Women who are sleeping rough are often invisible, as they minimise risks to protect themselves, and they are less likely to access the help and support they need. In some cases, women may engage in sexual activities, including prostitution or returning to an abusive partner, as a means of securing accommodation.

Migrant women are also particularly vulnerable to homelessness, especially if they face language barriers, have no recourse to public funds, or encounter cultural differences. Often hidden within their communities, they struggle to make changes due to a lack of confidence or knowledge of available systems.

There is also a connection between women’s homelessness and the criminal justice system. According to the 2024 report ‘Hard Edges,’ for many women, prison is seen as a temporary refuge from dangerous situations, including persistent domestic abuse. However, most individuals were released back into the same circumstances with little to no support. This lack of intervention contributes to a recurring cycle of homelessness, substance use, and declining physical and mental health, making long-term recovery and stability even more challenging.

 

Marzena leads Social Bite’s impact team

 

Helping to address the homelessness faced by women

One of Social Bite’s core values is “Every relationship counts.” At Social Bite, we believe that trust and love allow us to create opportunities for individuals to form meaningful relationships that can help them integrate into society, find a home, and secure a fulfilling occupation.

To foster these relationships, we use food as a tool for engagement, working within the welcoming environment of a café. This helps break down barriers often associated with approaching formal institutions. Our aim is to offer a warm, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere where people can enjoy a meal, engage with support workers, and connect with others who use our services.

We recognised the need for women-only engagement events and first started these in Edinburgh in December 2015 and in Glasgow in January 2017. Women told us they needed a space to meet new people, sit together, and simply enjoy the company of other women. Laughter and camaraderie are central to these gatherings.

Through initiatives like our women-only events, we aim to empower women to rebuild their lives and foster lasting relationships. I strongly believe that by working together with women as well as our other charity partners, we can make a difference and ensure that every woman, no matter her circumstances, is seen, heard, and supported.