Homelessness & Financial Inclusion

Those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness are often in a situation where they are affected by many factors relating to poverty as a result of debt or financial exclusion. In their prevention of homelessness guidance the Scottish Government identifies Financial Inclusion as a prevention tool.

Homelessness can be caused by a range and interplay of factors and having debts that can’t be managed or being financially excluded can be the main cause of or contribute towards someone becoming homeless. Debt and financial exclusion can also be a consequence of homelessness as being homeless generally equates with very low levels of income and can impact on access to mainstream services due to stigma, support needs or practical considerations such as lack of identification or a fixed address.

The range of other factors that can contribute to or be a consequence of homelessness such as relationship breakdown; substance use; vulnerability and imprisonment etc can also mean that debts are incurred and financial exclusion is reinforced. Financial inclusion can impact significantly on a persons’ ability to engage with and sustain employability opportunities.

More more information see basic guide to financial inclusion for people affected by homlessness perpared by the Scottish Homelessness and Employability Network (SHEN)