Recent research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals the deep impact of the cost-of-living crisis for 7.4million families on low incomes. But this ongoing crisis takes a bigger toll on people experiencing homelessness – particularly those forced to sleep rough. Kirsty Roebuck from Bethany Christian Trust writes about the impact of paying more and more for everyday necessities.
Without access to clean water, electricity and security, rough sleepers are seriously disadvantaged when it comes to buying food, water and other necessities and as a result are locked into a cycle of higher spending with less money to save. People on Universal Credit receive £98.50 a week, which works out as less than £15 a day to spend on essentials that most of us take for granted. It might be interesting to consider how much you would have spent this week.
Bottled water – 40p
One of the clearest examples of this is water. As with many things, buying in bulk is key and can cost as little as 20p per litre for 6 x 2 litre bottles compared to 40p per litre if buying 1 x 2 litre bottle. However anyone who is sleeping rough is unlikely to want to carry 12 litres and more likely to buy less, more often at double the price. This can lead to drinking less water, resulting in dehydration which causes headaches, brain fog and in chronic cases, kidney trouble and high blood pressure. Coupled with an inconsistent diet and lack of shelter, this inevitably puts those rough sleeping at higher risk of serious illness and longer recovery time.
Shower – £5
Not having regular access to water also means not having regular access to showers. Showers are a part of daily life, helping us to feel clean and refreshed, but at £5 per use in Edinburgh city centre, a routine habit suddenly becomes a luxury you have to think about if you’re on a budget. The effects of not showering are twofold. On a physical level, the natural build-up of dead skin, oils and bacteria can lead to skin irritation, itching and a higher chance of infection overall. Mentally, being aware that it’s been a couple of days since you’ve showered is enough to make anyone feel self-conscious, especially when increasing the visibility of your situation and the stigma that follows it.
Public toilets – 30p
Having a home means access to a bathroom, but this is another problem to contend with for people sleeping rough. Thirty pence might not seem a lot, but multiple times a day for multiple days adds up quickly – and it’s not just about cost. Public toilets tend to have opening times, with a majority closing at 8pm. Inconsistent access to toilets can lead to digestive issues, especially when coupled with dehydration. Not having access to public toilets may give people no other option but to relieve themselves outdoors, risking police charges. Those with a criminal record then face significant hurdles in terms of future employment and housing.
Meal deal – £4
Meal deals are a popular lunch option including a sandwich, crisps and a drink that will set you back roughly £4, which isn’t much more than a week’s worth of sandwich ingredients and a multipack of crisps if you’re not too fussy about brands. The higher cost can be considered a ‘convenience tax’, almost like a surcharge for those either without the time or ability to bring something from home. But even a simple cheese sandwich requires a fridge run by electricity, clean cutlery and a space to prepare your sandwich and somewhere to store it until you need it.
Another common money saving tip is to bulk buy when things are on offer, which works out cheaper in the long run assuming, again, you have somewhere to store it. Without somewhere to store, preserve and prepare food, your only option is to buy as you go which means higher day to day spending and less opportunities to save for the future.
Storage – £7
In addition to not being able to store food, people sleeping rough, and in some cases in temporary accommodation, or sofa surfing, have to work out what to do with their belongings. Carrying your life in a backpack all day isn’t great for your back, causing aches and pains worsened by sleeping on a cold, hard ground. Another option is to hide your belongings to come back to later, leaving them open to the elements and at risk of theft if discovered. The third option is to pay for the storage services typically used by tourists, to keep items safe and dry for the day. However, as with any ‘make your life easier’ service, it comes with a convenience tax costing £7 a day for something that most people get for free by locking their front door.
Homelessness is a complex issue, often with mental health, trauma, physical health and housing intertwined before considering the costs for essentials that we take for granted. I hope this post has highlighted the resilience of those rough sleeping and experiencing other forms of homelessness, in spite of the challenges they face on a day to day basis.