Mixed-sex hostels 'terrifying' for homeless women as census seeks to map female rough sleeping

A census of women sleeping rough is underway across England, with the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census running from September 22 to September 28. For the first time, councils on Tyneside, including Newcastle, are included, a move organizers say will help close data gaps and guide funding toward safe, female-only accommodation.

Shelter North East says the number of female rough sleepers in the region has risen sharply in recent years, with a 425% increase over five years, even as many women remain hidden from official statistics because they avoid sleeping rough or using hostels. Jay, who spent months trying to find safe women-only accommodation, described a mixed-sex hostel in Sunderland as "ruthless, full of alcoholics, drug users." She recalled: "First week I was there, three lads were taken out in body bags. I was terrified. I was fighting to survive every single day." She said the hostel did not carry out full background checks on residents, so women might be placed with dangerous people. "You could be in there with a nasty person. That's a risk women think of before they pick up that phone." Domestic abuse victims have particular needs for female-only spaces. Leanne, too scared to stay in mixed-sex accommodation after a traumatic experience, spent months sofa-surfing. "People called us the bag lady because I used to carry all my bags everywhere." Tracey Guy of Shelter North East said many homeless women end up sleeping in cars, in accident and emergency units, or in fast-food outlets, sometimes staying with perpetrators because an unsafe situation feels safer than sleeping in a doorway.

Emmaus North East operates a female-only house, with chief executive Ruth Parker saying most residents have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, or sexual violence. "Putting a person who has faced that on to the street, where they are vulnerable to those things again, we have to try and eradicate," Parker said. The charity plans to open a new women-only premises in 2026, but officials say more are needed and that "Supported accommodation, specific to women, has to be high priority."

The BBC contacted all North East local authorities about current homeless provision. Most have beds in mixed-sex hostels, but several councils have no female-only provision at all.

Next week, the census will run across seven days and Newcastle City Council will join for the first time; Councillor Paula Maines, the cabinet member for housing, said data could be used to tailor services and to press the government for more funding.

The census findings are due in October. Homeless charities hope the results reveal truer numbers and lead to more support for women like Jay and Leanne. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "The Women’s Census helps us understand the challenges women face when getting the right support. We’re spending £1 billion on vital services so that women who are sleeping rough can get safe and appropriate help. This is a first step to get us back on track towards ending homelessness once and for all."

As the census progresses, advocates say it is a critical step in addressing gaps in provision, health and safety for vulnerable women and ensuring health services, social care, and housing work together to reduce risk.