Homelessness remains one of the most serious social challenges facing the UK today, and it affects men disproportionately. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 86% of rough sleepers are men, a stark reminder that this issue often remains hidden in plain sight.

Behind every statistic is a person, someone’s friend, brother, colleague, or neighbour, facing hardship and uncertainty about where they’ll sleep tonight.

The hidden side of homelessness

Not everyone experiencing homelessness is visible on the streets. In fact, an estimated 380,000 people in the UK are what’s known as the ‘hidden homeless’  -  those who are:

  • Sofa-surfing with friends or family
  • Living in temporary or overcrowded accommodation
  • Facing eviction or repossession
  • Staying in unsafe or unsuitable housing

The majority of this group are men, many of whom are working or have previously worked but have found themselves in difficult circumstances.

Category

Description

Risk Factors

Rough sleepers

Sleeping outdoors, in doorways, cars, or public spaces

Job loss, mental health issues, substance misuse

Hidden homeless

Staying temporarily with others or in insecure housing

Relationship breakdowns, financial stress, eviction

Institutional leavers

Recently left prison, care, or hospital

Lack of support network, difficulty reintegrating

At risk of homelessness

Still housed but struggling to keep up with rent or bills

Debt, redundancy, illness

Why are so many men facing homelessness?

Homelessness can happen to anyone, but for many men, it’s the result of a combination of social, emotional, and financial factors.

Common cause

How It Leads to Homelessness

Support That Helps

Relationship breakdown

Losing shared housing or custody arrangements

Mediation, financial advice, emotional support

Substance misuse

Addiction can strain finances, health, and relationships

Recovery services, counselling, peer support

Leaving an institution

Exiting prison, care, or hospital without a stable home

Resettlement programmes, mentoring, job training

Mental health issues

Anxiety, PTSD, or depression can lead to job loss or isolation

Accessible mental health support and outreach

Financial difficulties

Rising rent, debt, or unemployment

Budgeting advice, benefits guidance, emergency grants

Between 2013 and 2017, the number of homeless people who died on the streets or in temporary accommodation doubled  -  and tragically, around 90% were men.

These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted support, early intervention, and community involvement.

How to get help if you’re worried about losing your home

If you’re worried about rent arrears, eviction, or losing your home  -  you don’t have to face it alone. Ben offers free, confidential support for people in the automotive industry and their families.

Call our helpline: 08081 311 333

We can help you:

  • Access emergency accommodation
  • Get financial and debt advice
  • Find mental health support
  • Navigate housing applications and benefits
  • Connect with local charities and housing services

How organisations and communities can make a difference

Homelessness isn’t just a personal problem  -  it’s a community responsibility. Workplaces, charities, and local institutions can play a powerful role in prevention and recovery.

Action

How It Helps

Raise awareness

Share information and challenge stigma around homelessness

Provide training

Help managers recognise early signs of housing insecurity in employees

Create a support fund

Offer small grants or salary advances to staff in crisis

Partner with local charities

Donate resources, skills, or volunteer hours

Support mental health

Provide wellbeing services and employee assistance programmes

Advocate for change

Support fair housing policies and social inclusion initiatives

If your organisation wants to make a tangible difference, partner with Ben. Together, we can help prevent homelessness, support men in crisis, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Email: partnerships@ben.org.uk
Learn more: www.ben.org.uk/get-involved

Final thought

Homelessness isn’t just about losing a roof, it’s about losing security, dignity, and belonging. But with understanding, early support, and community action, recovery is possible.

No one should have to face homelessness alone, we can help.