Homelessness in Birmingham has affected many people in the third biggest city in the UK.

Birmingham’s homeless crisis has become a large issue, with an estimated 11,884 reported without homes in 2021. This population total is a consequence of many unfortunate circumstances such as; domestic abuse, trauma, raised in care, relationship breakups, and lack of public funds.

There are also many homeless who resort to begging with many sacrificing their lives by waiting at traffic light stops and asking stationed drivers. This is a very dangerous form of receiving money as many of the homeless can be injured or risk upsetting drivers.

Birmingham Homeless credited by: Birmingham Live

Birmingham City Council conducted an investigation in 2020 to discover reasons why people are nearing homelessness and the prominent demographic. It concluded that; 42.5% were aged between 25 and 34 years old, 31.4% were white, and 56.3% were unemployed.

When asked whether COVID-19 increased homelessness in Birmingham, Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications for St Basils replied: “We haven’t seen any evidence to suggest that Covid-19 has directly led to an increase in homelessness. In terms of potential secondary factors (i.e. people losing work as a result of the pandemic or unable to work due to COVID-19) those can be potential factors.”

The high unemployment rates can be a consequence of COVID-19 as it took a toll on workers. With work times cut down and people working from home, the economy was suffering leaving people without jobs and reduced pay with many becoming redundant.

Redundancy especially happened with waiters and waitresses with the inclusion of apps where communication and contact were kept to a minimum. There was also more focus on delivery drivers leaving these workers without customers.

There are many homeless shelters and charities aiming to improve people’s lives. Shelter Birmingham, Salvation Army, Homeless One, and many more.