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Couples and dogs
Personal relationships are as important to rough sleepers as they are to those who are accommodated. In fact, developing positive relationships and taking part in positive networks can actively encourage movement away from the streets. This page examines the barriers that can prevent couples and those with dogs from accessing accommodation.
Couples
Homeless couples without dependent children tend to have significant difficulties in accessing accommodation. This is due to two main reasons:
- If neither of the couple is considered ‘vulnerable’ and so eligible due to having a priority need, then they will not qualify for accommodation under homelessness legislation. For more information on priority need and housing please see the Accommodation pages.
2. Most voluntary sector hostels see themselves as providing accommodation for single homeless people. Many hostels are single-sex meaning that heterosexual couples are forced to stay apart. In the case of homosexual couples, the single bed nature of the hostels makes staying together uncomfortable. With this in mind, many rough sleeper couples prefer to stay on the streets than be parted.
At the current time, the solutions to accommodating couples are limited and are dependent on the availability of beds. The Homeless UK service search is a useful tool in detailing which homelessness services have facilities to support couples. In addition, there is good practice information on the couples page of the Homeless Link website.
Dogs
This information is edited from the Welcoming Dogs report by the Dogs Trust which can be found here.
What dogs can provide
The emotional bond between a homeless person and his/her dog is often a strong one. Dogs encourage stability, love and an awareness of personal safety which have brought recorded physical benefits including reduced stress and blood pressure. Also, mental health benefits including alleviating loneliness and raising self-esteem are related to caring for an animal and encourage owners to focus on their own well-being.
Myth busting
The Dogs Trust highlights six myths that it wishes to dispel with the aim of increasing acceptance of dogs into accommodation services:
- that if one dog is let in, everyone will want one
- that homeless people should not have dogs
- that dogs might fight amongst each other
- that dogs will create much more work for staff
- that dogs are dirty
- that dogs will upset the other residents.
When working with rough sleepers with dogs it is important to be aware that some may refuse help if they are forced to part from their dog. Separation can be a traumatic process and enforced detachment can lead to depression. Feelings of loss like this can result in rejecting a bed space or a return to the streets. Working closely with accommodation providers to highlight client needs can be beneficial and the Dogs Trust list of providers accepting dogs is a useful starting point for referring.
Photo: St. Mungos
Case Study: Dogs Trust Hope Project
Set up in 1994, The Dogs Trust Hope Project is a scheme which has supported dogs whose owners are homeless or in housing crisis.
Three of the major services the trust offers include:
The Veterinary Card Scheme – this can be applied for through homelessness projects. The card entitles the holder to preventative (e.g. vaccinations, neutering, worming and flea treatment) and subsidised veterinary treatment.
Advice on issues including finding dog friendly accommodation, welfare and veterinary issues.
Christmas outreach services for dog friendly projects.
More information on the Hope Project can be found on the Dogs Trust website and the Happy and Healthy guide aids homeless dog owners to consider all their dogs' needs.
Checklist
Checklist for working with couples and rough sleepers with dogs
Is there a list of local services that can support couples or place couples in accommodation close together?
Is the couple prepared to be placed into separate accommodation? If not, would they consider hostels geographically close to each other?
Is there a list of local services that support dogs?
Do outreach teams have partnership working agreements with local veterinary services that can support rough sleepers?
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