Addressing supported housing needs for minority ethnic groups

Published by traceybignall for Race Equality Foundation in Housing and also in Communities, Health

The recent debates on the proposed changes to housing benefit in the welfare reform bill currently going through parliament, raises concerns about the impact of such changes on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.  This will include those in supported housing accommodation and black and minority ethnic communities.

Supported housing covers a range of accommodation types; hostels, refuges, sheltered housing, adapted housing; and support to address the needs of a range of people including; those with disabilities, young people, older people, alcohol and drug abuse and complex health needs. In Better Housing briefing paper Meeting the supported housing needs of black and minority ethnic communities launched today, the Race Equality Foundation draws attention to discrepancies in the experiences of groups within these communities of supported housing.   

Evidence shows that people from minority groups may be more likely to require supported housing services and this is demonstrated in the areas of mental health, homelessness, domestic violence, older people and young parents outlined in the briefing.   

For example, research indicates that a higher number of young people from black and minority ethnic communities are at risk of homelessness.  There is evidence of a higher numbers of these young people using homelessness services of Centrepoint[i], and that they are likely to be represented in the ‘hidden homelessness’ (through overcrowded accommodation or sharing with friends).  Whilst studies examining young parenthood have noted the higher rates of teenage pregnancy amongst black and minority ethnic women aged 15-19 years, particularly black Caribbean and Bangladeshi, than their white counterparts.

But at the same time, these communities are more likely to experience difficulties in service access and use. It has been shown that racism, sexism, disbelief and hostility from housing practitioners’ were experienced by black and minority ethnic women trying to access domestic violence supported accommodation.

Various approaches have been used by social housing providers to identify and addressing access issues, as well as, ensure a greater understanding of cultural and religious needs in determining the most appropriate services for these communities. However, the briefing stresses that ‘meeting the supported housing needs of these groups within general provision remains an issue that must be addressed’.

Recent cuts to Supporting People funding is likely to reduce the ability of housing providers to address supported housing needs in the future, or at least, providers will need to re-evaluate how these needs will met within existing provision. The proposed welfare reforms and, specific proposals for housing benefit and supported housing will have a major affect on the most vulnerable groups in society.  The effect of the proposed changes on black and minority ethnic communities has been acknowledged by HM Treasury[ii].  Whilst Jones and Bignall provide positive examples in which the supported housing needs of these communities have been met, current challenges in providing supported accommodation raises worrying concerns. 

Further information

Jones, A and Bignall, T (2011) Meeting the supported housing needs of black and minority ethnic communities, Better Housing 19, Race Equality Foundation

http://www.better-housing.org.uk/briefings/meeting-supported-housing-needs-black-and-minority-ethnic-communities