Homelessness looks different for women – and too often, it stays hidden. From domestic abuse to caregiving pressures, women face unique challenges that shape their experience of homelessness in ways that are often overlooked. Many are sofa surfing, staying in unsafe accommodation, or avoiding services altogether – making their homelessness less visible but no less dangerous.
Without recognising these gender-specific struggles, women risk being shut out of the support systems designed to help them. That’s why understanding what homelessness is really like for women is the first step towards making sure no woman slips through the cracks.
Domestic abuse causes homelessness for women
Abusive relationships leave many women in a catch-22: stay with their abuser or pack up, leave, and face homelessness. Some women stay to keep a roof over their – and their children’s heads – only walking away when they reach breaking point.
Our research shows domestic abuse is a near-universal experience of women experiencing homelessness. It’s not always the direct cause, but many women open up about abuse only after they’ve found support, having carried the trauma in silence for far too long.
This hidden trauma takes a toll on mental health and can make it even harder to move on, even with support in place.
Many women don’t ask for help because they fear judgment or discrimination, or don’t feel safe in mixed-gender hostels. They need support tailored to their experiences – and safe spaces where they can start to recover.
Women can’t find the right support
Too often, women experiencing homelessness can’t access support that truly meets their needs.
Our five women-only hostels offer something different – safe, nurturing spaces where women can take a breath, process what they’ve been through, and start again. They’re places where recovery begins and futures are rebuilt.
For Plum, our Women’s Respite Service changed everything. In just over a year, she went from sleeping rough to studying for her dream – setting up her own nursery.
We need more women’s services like where I’m staying. I didn’t know places like this existed. We need more of them. I didn’t think this place would help me when I came here. But they helped me with everything. I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.
Women hide from safety but also from support
Sleeping rough is traumatising – and for women, it’s seriously dangerous.
Women face constant threats of violence, abuse and exploitation on the streets. To stay safe, many go into hiding – in hospital waiting rooms, McDonald’s, alleyways, bins, or riding night buses through the night.
That’s why you don’t see many women on the streets. But they’re out there. Out of sight – and out of reach of support.
Without safe, accessible services designed for women, many are forced to stay on the streets for longer. We’ve met women who’ve been sleeping rough for over a decade.
The toll on their physical and mental health is devastating – and life-threatening. Some women spend their last night on the street – dying alone, unheard, and without the support that could have saved them.
Homeless women are trapped in a system without a way out
Most people experiencing homelessness aren’t sleeping on the streets – they’re in temporary accommodation. Shared houses, B&Bs, or hotels. It’s a roof over their head, but they’re still homeless. And for women, it’s the most common kind.
Women make up 60% of homeless adults in temporary accommodation in England – and 65% in London. That number’s rising fast. In the last decade, the number of women trapped in temporary accommodation has nearly doubled. They’re hidden from public view – but they’re still fighting to survive. Caught in a system that offers no clear way forward.
Why? Because women are more likely to live in poverty, be in low-paid or insecure work, and shoulder the pressure of caring for children.
Lone mothers are at the highest risk of homelessness in England, with 1 in every 38 facing it. Behind that number are thousands of mothers across the country, trying to hold their families together without stable ground beneath them.
Pregnancy, periods, and parenting while homeless
Managing basic health and care needs is incredibly hard when you’re homeless – especially for women, who face unique challenges that men don’t.
Caregiving – Women are far more likely to be primary carers. But when you’re homeless, looking after your children becomes a near-impossible task. Some women avoid asking for help altogether – terrified their kids will be taken from them. Many of the women we support have already lived through that trauma. And it never really leaves.
Pregnancy – Homelessness and pregnancy often go hand in hand – especially for women sleeping rough. Some form relationships for protection. Others are assaulted. With little access to contraception or healthcare, many don’t even know they’re pregnant until it’s too late for early support. The consequences – for mother and baby – can be life-changing.
Period poverty – If you can’t afford food, you can’t afford period products. Without safe places to wash or clean supplies, managing your period becomes a monthly crisis. Makeshift solutions risk infections. Dignity is the first thing to go. What follows? Shame, silence and yet another barrier to feeling human.
We’re leading the charge to end women’s homelessness
We’re fighting to make sure no woman is left behind – and no woman faces homelessness alone.
From supporting women to rebuild their lives to changing policy, our work tackles the unique challenges women face head-on. We’re expanding access to safe, gender-informed support and pushing for a system that actually works for women.
Our fourth Women’s Rough Sleeping Census is now underway, with more local authorities joining every year. It’s helping us uncover the true scale and full picture of women’s homelessness – where they’re sleeping, what they’re experiencing, and what they need to leave homelessness behind for good.
We’re also growing our five women-only services, creating safe spaces where women can heal, rebuild, and be supported on their own terms.
No woman should have to hide to stay safe. Every woman deserves dignity – to be seen, heard, and thrive in life.
Click here to learn more about our work on women’s homelessness.
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