New polling from homeless charity St Mungo’s reveals new extent of the housing crisis and its impact on people sharing their lives with a pet. 50% of those surveyed reported being placed in situations where they were forced to choose between remaining with their pets or accessing housing.
This situation is ever present, within the last 12 months, 43% of respondents experienced challenges in finding housing that allows pets. This is amplified for those between the ages of 18-24, where 70% experienced this, as well as 58% in Greater London.
Furthermore, 48% have experienced discrimination when gaining housing because of pets, i.e. refused application to rent, being evicted, or being asked to part with their pets). 67% of respondents in privately rented accommodation have experienced this.
The importance of pets cannot be understated, with 86% claiming to have been supported by their pet(s) in times of instability and difficulties.
St Mungo’s recognise that pets can be a lifeline for someone experiencing homelessness. That’s why the charity offers pet-friendly accommodation to prevent people from facing the heartbreaking choice between a safe place to sleep and staying with their companion.
Arwa Omaren, a former client of St Mungo’s experienced homelessness in the UK after fleeing war-torn Syria. She was forced to part with her golden retriever, Jacko, for three years, until he came to the UK via the charity War Paws. Since then, she has said they are ‘inseparable’.
Before Jacko came into her life, Arwa described herself as ‘very lonely and depressed’, she dreamt of having a golden retriever and saw having a dog as ‘the best thing to light my life’.
The two fell into homelessness in the UK due to her landlord selling her flat, Arwa losing her job, and the inability to find a place to live with a dog at such short notice.
Arwa could find housing with her local council, but it would mean parting from Jacko, unthinkable to Arwa. The two slept rough, experiencing horrid situations, including waking to a drunk man touching Arwa, and then being led away by Jacko.
She was connected with St Mungo’s via Streetlink. Arwa and Jacko were then placed in St Mungo’s accommodation. Arwa has since moved into a flat with her fiancé and welcomed a child into her family.
Ish Camp, Regional Head at St Mungo’s says:
‘St Mungo’s is proud to welcome pets into our accommodation. We are one of the only charities to do so. We recognise that pets are a part of the family and can be a source of comfort and protection for those experiencing homelessness.
‘Many people are forced to choose between shelter and companionship, much like Arwa, and are placed in dangerous situations to ensure they aren’t separated.
‘Our service managers have seen the benefits of our clients being house with their pets, witnessing improvements in their mental, physical and emotional health.’
87% of respondents say it is important to them that homeless charities provide accommodation that allows pets, similarly, 87% of respondents believe those experiencing homelessness should be able to remain with their pets.
St Mungo’s, recognise that pets can be a lifeline for someone experiencing homelessness. That’s why we offer pet-friendly accommodation and wish to stop people from facing the choice between a safe place to sleep and staying with their companion.
By supporting St Mungo’s, you could help save two lives.
Learn more about St Mungo’s campaign during Pet Month and donate here: https://www.mungos.org/petscampaign
