When most people think about homelessness, they picture rough sleepers in doorways or on park benches. But there’s a much less visible side to the crisis – hidden homelessness. These are people without a stable home, often sofa-surfing, sleeping in vehicles, or staying in unsafe situations because they have nowhere else to go. Many don’t qualify for official support, leaving them trapped in a cycle of insecurity and stress.
At Purseglove Property, we believe everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. That’s why we’ve been working hard to challenge perceptions, improve housing standards, and create ethical, well-managed HMOs that offer more than just a roof over someone’s head.
Our work with the EMCCA
In December our Founder and CEO, Rich Purseglove, was invited to speak at the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) task force event.
Speaking to senior leaders from councils, charities and the prison service, he shared insights about how well-managed HMOs can provide safe, high-quality housing for people facing hidden homelessness.
Rich’s message made such an impact that he’s been asked to join the task force permanently and help shape future housing strategies in the East Midlands.
He’s now working with YMCA and Framework Housing Association to create sustainable, investment-backed housing that not only puts a roof over people’s heads but also gives them the support they need to move forward.
Watch a summary of the EMCCA presentation
Understanding hidden homelessness
Hidden homelessness is easier to ignore because it doesn’t fit the traditional rough sleeper stereotype. But that doesn’t make it any less damaging. Many people in this situation experience long-term instability, declining mental health, and a lack of access to essential support.
Some examples of hidden homelessness include:
- Young adults sofa-surfing after a family breakdown
- People sleeping in cars or vans following job or relationship losses
- Individuals avoiding shelters due to fear, stigma or past trauma
By recognising and addressing the challenges of hidden homelessness, we can break the cycle and offer real solutions.
How well-managed HMOs can help
Unfortunately, HMOs have a bad reputation in some circles, often seen as overcrowded and poorly maintained. But we know that, when done right, they can be a powerful tool for positive change.
Challenging misconceptions
At the EMCCA task force event, Rich tackled some of these outdated views head-on. He demonstrated how a well-run HMO can be a safe, welcoming and community-focused environment – a place where people can rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
This was a pivotal moment in shifting stakeholder perceptions, and he is now working alongside key decision-makers to ensure ethical HMO management becomes a recognised solution in local housing policy.
The benefits of quality HMOs
- More than just a roof – A good HMO provides emotional security, a sense of belonging, and a stepping stone to independence.
- Tailored support – With the right approach, tenants can access guidance, structure, and encouragement to get back on their feet.
- Safe and well-managed – By prioritising high standards, we ensure our properties remain ethical and effective.
Stories of hope from our HMOs
Behind every statistic is a real person. Here are just two stories that show the difference ethical HMOs can make:
Narain’s story
Narain, an elderly gentleman from the Dominican Republic, had been exploited by members of his own family. With language barriers and no support network, he was left vulnerable. Moving into one of our HMOs provided him with safety, stability, and access to the help he needed. Today, he’s living with dignity and confidence once again.
Tomek’s story
Tomek, a young tenant from Eastern Europe, struggled financially after losing his job. Too ashamed to ask for help, he resorted to stealing food from housemates. When we discovered his situation, we stepped in to support him – and so did his fellow tenants. With the right help, he regained stability and was able to return home to be with his family.
The power of belonging
Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows that after securing food, water and safety, the next essential human need is belonging. Yet, many housing initiatives overlook this.
Co-living in well-run HMOs can help fill this gap, offering the social connection and support that people need to thrive.
At the EMCCA task force event, Rich emphasised the importance of community-driven housing solutions and the need for initiatives that go beyond basic shelter to create true stability and opportunity for our communities.
The response was overwhelmingly positive and stakeholders were surprised and impressed by our commitment to ethical housing. We’re now expanding into the supportive living sector, where investment-backed, high-quality housing can create lasting change for vulnerable individuals.
Join us in making a difference
We believe that ethical, people-first housing is the key to tackling hidden homelessness and helping people build better futures. But we can’t do it alone.
How can you help?
- Challenge outdated views – HMOs, when managed properly, can be life-changing.
- Support ethical housing solutions – Through investment, advocacy or partnerships
- Spread awareness – The more people understand the realities of hidden homelessness, the more we can do to help
At Purseglove Property, we’re committed to creating housing solutions that put people first. If you’d like to work with us, invest in high-quality housing, or explore partnership opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today to find out how we can work together to make a real difference.