ABSTRACT
Shelter, together with access to safe water and food, is one of life’s basic requirements. However, even in developed countries this basic need is sometimes denied people. In the UK, homelessness and the existence of housing of below decent standards are still significant problems. In 2004, over 30,000 households were homeless and seeking housing with local authorities. Over 100,000 households were in temporary accommodation, of which over 30,000, including families with children, were in bed and breakfast accommodation or hostels. In England alone there are also an estimated 500 individuals sleeping rough on the street each night (ODPM 2004a).
