Attitudes to Homelessness and Rough Sleeping – YouGov survey

OCF commissioned this research from YouGov to benchmark attitudes to homelessness and rough sleeping nationally and in Oxfordshire. The research was carried out on behalf of Oxford Homeless Movement –  a partnership of public, private and charitable organisations aiming to tackle the problem of rough sleeping in the city.

The research responses on who should be responsible for tackling the issue of homelessness fits with this partnership idea. By working together, Oxford Homeless Movement aims to help people off the streets and keep them off the streets.

• People in Britain and in Oxfordshire do care about homelessness in the UK. 30% are “very concerned about it” nationally, 40% in Oxfordshire.
• People are not clear about who is helping to tackle the issue of homelessness and rough sleeping in the UK – with 37% saying ‘nobody’ or ‘they do not know’ (14% and 23% respectively).
• When asked who are responsible for helping with the issue from a prompted list there was a clearer view with 67% saying Central Government and 65% saying their Local Council and 50% saying charities.
• These numbers were higher in Oxfordshire with 71% saying Central Government, 68% their Local Council and 55% charities. This fits with the aim of Oxford Homeless Movement – that has these groups working together.
• There is untapped potential for donations and volunteering. Far more people say they would consider both than say they have done them. 41% of people in Oxfordshire would be willing to donate money to a homeless organisation in the future compared to 35% nationally.
• 19% of British adults would give money directly to people on the street if they walked past them. More would buy them food or drink at 30% but a similar number 29% would ignore them. Part of the role of Oxford Homeless Movement is help the public understand where they can help.