The housing crisis is an urgent issue that has gripped communities across the UK, leading to a heartbreaking rise in homelessness. There are many factors contributing to this crisis, and it is essential to approach the topic with compassion and empathy, recognising the real human lives affected by these challenges.
The Roots of the Housing Crisis
1. Rising Housing Costs: One of the most evident causes is the skyrocketing costs of housing. In many urban areas, the prices of homes and rents have surged, outpacing wage growth. Many families find themselves spending an overwhelming percentage of their income on housing, leaving little for other necessities.
2. Lack of Affordable Housing: The shortage of affordable homes is the most damaging. As demand exceeds supply, families on low-incomes have fewer options. New developments often cater to higher-income individuals, making it increasingly difficult for those on lower wages to find suitable housing. Many landlords also want a guarantor and will also not consider a person on benefits and on long term sick/unemployment.
“I was living in a private rented flat with my partner and after losing my job my life fell apart and the bills kept mounting up. It really affected my mental health, and I sank into a deep depression. My relationship broke down and then my landlord told me I had to leave due to rent arrears. Because of this I found myself homeless and no landlord would accept me on benefits. I had lost all hope and felt like giving up. My friend then told me about CENS. I cannot praise CENS enough. It is a fantastic charity for people who are homeless. They gave me a warm bed, meal and a shower and my own room and I felt listened to and supported. The staff were amazing and helped me find more permanent accommodation”.
Quote from a resident at CENS
3. Rich and Poor Divide: The gap between the wealthy and the poor has widened over the years. Economic instability and stagnant wages mean that many people are living paycheck to paycheck. When unexpected expenses arise – whether due to medical emergencies, job loss, or other financial crises – families can quickly find themselves facing eviction.
5. Unsafe Crowded Housing: Increasingly, many single homeless people are forced to live in house share accommodation. This has a knock-on effect and can worsen a person’s mental health, physical health and general well-being as one does not get to choose who they live with. Many factors can force a person to abandon a house share property such as anti-social behaviour, substance misuse issues and a lack of regular safety checks by a landlord.
“I have had some good and bad experiences of house shares. I would always recommend asking to meet the other house mates first. Sadly, you don’t always get a choice when being put into temporary accommodation. It is important to make sure everyone does their fare share of cleaning and to always respect other people. If you are not happy always tell the landlord, especially if there is loud music or anti-social behaviour. CENS have been fantastic and have ensured I have been resettled into the right place for me and with on-going support. This has been a huge comfort to me as I have struggled to manage my own tenancy in the past”.
Quote from a resident at CENS
The Impact on Homelessness
With these factors at play, the unfortunate consequence has been a significant rise in homelessness. Individuals and families that once had stable housing are now finding themselves without a place to call home. The numbers tell a painful story – The official rough sleeping snapshot revealed 4,667 people were homeless on England’s streets in autumn 2024, based on single-night counts and estimates by frontline workers and local authorities. However, this figure does not include “hidden homelessness” which includes sofa surfing, B&B stays, squatters and people hidden off-grid.
That figure represents a 20% increase in just a year and is just 2% lower than the 2017 peak when 4,751 were recorded as sleeping rough. It’s also 164% higher than in 2010 when the count began.
The heartbreaking reality is that homelessness is not just a lack of shelter; it can lead to a myriad of challenges, including physical and mental health issues, limited access to education, and difficulty securing employment. The cycle of poverty and homelessness can be incredibly hard to break.
Moving Forward with Compassion
In closing, the housing crisis is a complex issue, but one that we can tackle together. Every small action counts, whether it’s raising awareness, supporting local organisations, becoming a regular donor or simply being a compassionate listener. Let’s engage in these conversations, advocate for change, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a safe and stable home.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can help those facing homelessness at CENS and get involved in fundraising, click here.
If you would like to become a friend of CENS and make a regular monthly donation or just make a one-off donation click here or use CENS donation form below.
Every single penny of your donation goes towards a hot meal, breakfast, shower, laundry facilities, WiFi, and access to toiletries.
