This paper by the Centre for Homelessness Impact highlights that people with disabilities face many barriers to getting support and exiting homelessness, including difficulty getting a diagnosis, unsuitable environments, and a shortage of accessible housing. The report discusses the higher prevalence of physical disabilities and health conditions in households experiencing poverty and potential homelessness.

Key findings:‍

Between 2018 to 2022 in England, households accepted as homeless by reason of physical ill health or disability increased by 73%.

82% of people experiencing homelessness in England have received a mental health diagnosis.

There is a shortage of accessible housing across the UK - in England only 7% of homes incorporate minimal accessibility features and in Scotland only 0.7% of local authority housing is wheelchair accessible.

The poverty rate for people with disabilities is 32%, 12% higher than poverty rates in the general population. Disability employment rates of 53% remain significantly lower than the employment rate of the general population (83%). These social and economic barriers are also causes of homelessness, suggesting that people with disabilities may be at increased risk of experiencing homelessness.

People with disabilities are over-represented in homeless populations, but the issue may be underestimated due to a lack of understanding and inconsistent data recording.