Relocation as a way of ending homelessness

In the early 90s Paul found himself living a hostel for homeless people. Since that time he has worked in the field of homelessness in a number of practical, strategic and policy roles. His previous impacts include helping to

• a) redefine the meanings of rough sleeping,
• b) amend the law respecting homeless people
• c) persuade Government to change policy on the funding of supported housing.

He has also just completed an MRes into the passing of the Homeelessness Reduction Act.

His current research takes place in the context of benefit and legal changes which have increased pressure on those supporting homeless people (such as local authorities and charities) to make offers of accommodation elsewhere in the country. Paul's research is the first to the interrogate assumptions underlying this approach to resolving homelessness. Arguably, this response implies an understanding of 'home' as an exclusively material need. The likely acceleration of such geographical moves means there is an urgent need for research to hear the narratives of those affected by this approach. Hitherto, their voices have been relatively quiet in discourse dominated by affordability, public spending and ending benefit dependency. It is to address this gap in knowledge through lived experience that the research aims to fill.

Supervisors

Stephen Green (Main supervisor )
Kesia Reeve (2nd supervisor)
Paul Hickman (3rd supervisor)