The number of homeless households stuck in temporary accommodation in England hit a record high earlier this year, according to figures released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLHC).
The figures released today show that 104,510 households were found to be living in temporary accommodation between January and March this year – up 10% from the same period last year.
A large proportion of those affected were children, with 131,370 found to be living in temporary accommodation, which includes hostels and B&Bs.
The number of households asking their local council for help – to either prevent homelessness or help them out of homelessness – also hit a record high, increasing by 5.7% to over 83,000.
A total of 41,950 households were initially assessed by councils as ‘currently homeless’ – the highest in a single quarter since records began in 2018.
The figures also found that one in four households currently homeless or at risk of homelessness were in full-time (14%) or part-time (10.5%) work – up 9% on the previous quarter.
The figures also show (compared to the same quarter last year):
- 37,890 households were assessed as being threatened with homelessness (down 0.7%)
- End of private Assured Shorthold Tenancy (the most common type of contract) accounted for 38% of households being at risk of homelessness (up 2.5%)
- The most common reason households were at risk of homelessness at the end of a private tenancy were because their landlord wished to sell or re-let the property (9,180 households)
These numbers follow the first increase in rough sleeping figures in England since 2017, according to data released by DLHC earlier this year.
Emmaus offers a home away from homelessness
For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing their self-esteem can be the most damaging part of their experience. Being on your own, with no support around you can be soul destroying, leaving you feeling worthless.
Finding your way out of that situation isn’t easy, particularly when the only options available are temporary fixes, offering a bed for the night but little to occupy your days.
Emmaus is different because it provides a home for as long as someone needs it in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, and often re-establish relationships with loved ones.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, find out how to get help from Emmaus.
How you can help
You can support our work people experiencing homelessness: donate today to make a difference.
Additionally, whenever you shop at an Emmaus charity shop or social enterprise, you are making a difference. Each purchase supports Emmaus communities across the country, helping companions rebuild their lives.
Visit our About Us page for more information about Emmaus or our Your Local Emmaus page to find a community near you.