Hidden homeless women are being missed from official figures, charities warn
Key takeaways
- Michael Buchanan Social affairs correspondent BBCVictoria roamed London's streets for three years"When people used to see me, they didn't believe I was homeless," Victoria says.
- For three years, she roamed London's streets, often around King's Cross railway station.
- "I wasn't sleeping because I had lots of luggage and King's Cross is bad for thieves," the 31-year-old says.
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Michael Buchanan Social affairs correspondent BBCVictoria roamed London's streets for three years"When people used to see me, they didn't believe I was homeless," Victoria says. She did not look like a rough sleeper and did not drink or take drugs. "So it was hard for people to believe that I was actually homeless."
For three years, she roamed London's streets, often around King's Cross railway station. Mental health problems contributed to her homelessness, but being on the streets exacerbated them.
"I wasn't sleeping because I had lots of luggage and King's Cross is bad for thieves," the 31-year-old says. "If I tried to sleep in the toilets, the staff would come banging on the door, telling me to get out. It was hard."