Fighting the housing emergency means fighting racism

The statistics are clear

In our landmark new research report – ‘My Colour Speaks Before Me’ – we expose how racism and discrimination make it harder for Black and Black Mixed heritage people to access social homes.

Back in 2020, Shelter made a commitment. We pledged to become an anti-racist organisation, actively fighting against racism and discrimination. Ever since, we’ve been working to put racial justice at the heart of everything we do. And last year we turned our focus outwards – to understand how racism and discrimination affect people’s experiences of accessing social housing.

Our analysis revealed a deep-rooted injustice:

• Black-led households are 12 times more likely to live in temporary accommodation than White-led households

• 43% of Black-led households in temporary accommodation have been there for more than two years, compared with 25% of White-led households

• Black families facing homelessness are less than half as likely to get access to a social home, compared with White families

A research interviewee said:

You waste your whole life waiting… there’s nothing for you.'

Putting experiences first

To help us understand the truth about racism and discrimination in housing, our research was created in collaboration with people of Black and Black Mixed heritage, who have first-hand experience of the housing emergency.

People shared experiences of being overlooked by housing officers, and of feeling that White applicants are given housing more quickly.

We heard how people were given unsuitable, poor-quality homes and homes in areas where they felt unsafe. We learned about the damaging impact of prejudice and stereotypes. And we saw people’s resilience in action, with many Black and Black Mixed heritage people describing the need to be ‘fighters’ in the face of an unjust, unequal housing system. Overall, we saw how racism in the housing system is making it harder for some people to get the home they need.

The change we need

Through our research, we laid out ten policy recommendations. We’re demanding ministers ensure that everyone who lets and manages social housing puts anti-racism at the centre of their work – in policies, practice and outcomes.

And the people with lived experience of racism who led our research have written an open letter to Secretary of State for Housing Steve Reed, calling for an equitable, inclusive housing system. By acting together, we can begin to end racism in the housing sector – because everyone should have equal access to a safe, secure home.