How close are we really?

As a housing officer, I’ve met people whose stories would challenge everything you think you know about homelessness.

We are all one injury, one illness, one eviction notice, one missed rent payment, one P45, one wrong move, away from being homeless. It’s not something anyone can plan for, it catches you off guard, and by then, it’s too late.

Most of the people I work with are not drug addicts, alcoholics or ex-offenders, they are you and me. That neighbour who you always thought had life so easy, that person at work who gets all the overtime, that influencer who went radio silent on social media. They played their part in society, working, paying bills, taking their children to school, living life like anyone else.

Suddenly, their world turns around overnight.

In recent years, the cost of living has risen sharply across the UK. Rent, energy bills, food prices, fuel costs, council tax, and childcare expenses have all increased, placing significant pressure on household budgets. While wages have increased for some workers, many households continue to struggle to keep up with the rising cost of everyday essentials.

The average full-time worker in the UK earns around £39,000 per year before tax. At first glance, this may seem like a reasonable income. However, once tax, National Insurance, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, transport costs, food shopping, and other commitments are deducted, the amount left over can be far less than people expect.

For those on lower incomes, the situation can be even more challenging. Many private renters spend a substantial proportion of their income on housing costs alone. In some cases, particularly among lower-income households, rent can account for more than half of monthly income. This leaves very little financial flexibility when unexpected expenses arise.

What happens when the washing machine breaks? What happens when someone becomes unwell and cannot work? What happens when a relationship ends, a family member passes away, or a redundancy notice arrives unexpectedly?

For many people, these events are not simply inconveniences—they can trigger a chain reaction. Rent arrears begin to build. Debts increase. Savings disappear. Mental health suffers. Eventually, some individuals find themselves facing homelessness.

Throughout my work in housing, I have met people from all backgrounds. Some were employed full-time when they lost their accommodation. Some had never claimed benefits before. Others were fleeing domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, coping with mental health difficulties, or trying to rebuild their lives following involvement with the criminal justice system.

What they often had in common was not a lack of effort or ambition. Instead, many had experienced a combination of circumstances that overwhelmed their ability to cope financially or emotionally.

This is one of the reasons why homelessness should not be viewed as a personal failing. It is often the result of a complex interaction between housing shortages, financial pressures, health issues, relationship breakdowns, trauma, and wider social challenges.

A home is about more than having a roof over your head. It provides safety, stability, privacy, and a place to recover from life's difficulties. Without secure housing, every aspect of life becomes harder—from maintaining employment to accessing healthcare and supporting positive mental wellbeing.

The cost-of-living crisis has reminded us that financial security can be fragile. While some households are able to absorb rising costs, others are walking an increasingly narrow path between stability and crisis.

The question is not always why someone became homeless.

Sometimes the more important question is: if faced with the same circumstances, how many of us would have coped any differently?