12/10/2026
Last month, our Community Housing Advocate, Fadumo Farah, attended the launch of How to Use Evidence to End Homelessness, hosted by the Centre for Homelessness Impact.
A recurring theme throughout the day was prevention. Too much of the current system focuses on responding once someone has already become homeless, rather than identifying risks earlier and providing support before people reach crisis point.
The discussions felt particularly relevant to Bristol. We know there are families spending years in temporary accommodation, children growing up in hotels without access to cooking facilities, and people living in homes that are unsuitable for their health, disabilities or family circumstances. The challenge is not recognising these issues, but ensuring meaningful action is taken to address them.
Homelessness in Bristol has remained consistently high in recent years, with Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities disproportionately affected. Although these communities make up 18.9% of Bristol's population, they account for 31.1% of homelessness relief duty acceptances. These figures highlight the inequalities that continue to exist within the housing system.
Another important discussion focused on what happens after someone secures accommodation. Housing is a vital first step, but long-term stability often depends on continued support. Without it, people can find themselves facing the same challenges again.
Much of this reflects what we see through our work at Black South West Network (BSWN). Through our partnership with Bristol City Council, we deliver bi-monthly Social Housing Drop-ins for Black and Racially Minoritised council tenants. These sessions help break down barriers between residents and housing officers, creating a trusted space where people can raise concerns, ask questions and access support.
Our work includes gathering evidence, drafting challenge letters, engaging with council officers, delivering Social Housing Drop-ins, and building relationships with organisations such as Shelter Bristol Law Centre, Bristol City Council teams and local community groups. Above all, it involves listening to residents and ensuring their experiences are heard.
When those experiences are brought together, they reveal patterns, highlight inequalities and identify where systems need to improve. They turn lived experience into evidence that can shape services, practice and policy.
The event reinforced something we see every day: tackling homelessness requires more than crisis response. It requires investment in prevention, meaningful partnership working and a commitment to long-term outcomes. Most importantly, it requires remembering that behind every statistic is a person seeking safety, stability and a place to call home.
Read our full blog here: https://www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org/blog/how-to-use-evidence-to-end-homelessness
