Homelessness amongst Black and minoritised ethnic communities in the UK: a statistical report on the state of the nation (2002)

Funded by Oak Foundation and in partnership with Race on the Agenda, this knowledge and capacity building programme undertaken by the Institute of Social Policy, Housing and Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University aims to support a fundamental step change in the UK evidence base on homelessness amongst people from Black and minoritised ethnic communities. This first published output uses statistical analysis of ten key survey, household and administrative datasets to assess the ‘state of the nation’ with regard to people from Black and minoritised backgrounds’ experience of homelessness in the UK. The ten datasets analysed vary in terms of geographical reach, whether they capture information on individual people or households, the categorisations of ethnicity they employ and the relevant factors they include; however, they paint a largely consistent picture.

Read the report and supporting documents. (external link Heriot Watt University)

Ethnic inequalities and homelessness in the UK (2023)

Over-representation of ethnic minorities experiencing homelessness across the UK

A  policy paper published by the Centre for Homelessness Impact calls for specific interventions to relieve and prevent homelessness among people from ethnic minorities to address stark inequalities among people who are assessed as homeless. The report, written by Nissa Finney, Professor of Human Geography at the University of St Andrews, highlights how inequalities experienced by different ethnic groups across the UK contribute to higher rates of homelessness.

Read the policy paper (external link Centre for Homelessness Impact)

“Where do I belong? Where is home?” Experiences of racism and homelessness (2024)

In the UK right now, racism and discrimination in our society, services and systems contribute to people’s homelessness. The data is undeniable, and we see examples of it in the experiences of people who turn to us for support.  This research, shaped by a panel of Experts by Experience, uncovers the human stories behind the statistics that draw a direct link between race and homelessness. These real-life accounts show us how racism and discrimination can negatively impact every area of a person’s life – preventing them from finding a home, a job or accessing healthcare.

View the report and summary (external link Crisis)

Blog: Real life experiences help us understand the links between racism and homelessness (external link Crisis)

Violence against women and homelessness (2025)

March 2025

Every week in Northern Ireland, a woman faces an impossible decision: remain trapped with her abuser or risk entering a homelessness system that often exposes her to further harm. Violence Against Women and Homelessness, a report in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, exposes the stark reality of how existing support systems not only fail to protect women in abusive situations but, in some cases, actively worsen their plight

View Report & Summary (external link Heriot Watt University)

Watch the illustration, and hear Lynne NcMordie talk about the findings.

Race, Ethnicity and Homelessness in the UK (2025)

Final report of a knowledge and capacity building programme
July 2025

This research and capacity building programme sought to contribute to a step change in the knowledge base on homelessness amongst minoritised ethnic communities in the UK. Combining extensive quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from senior stakeholders, frontline workers and people with lived experience, the findings provide compelling evidence of stark ethnic inequalities in homelessness in the contemporary UK.

View Report (external link Heriot Watt University)

News Report (external link I-SPHERE)