News / homelessness
True extent of Bristol’s homelessness crisis revealed
One in every 170 Bristol residents is homeless, according to a new report published by Shelter.
This includes 2,600 people currently living in temporary accommodation and 74 people sleeping rough, with the housing charity keen to point out that these figures are lower-end estimates of recorded homelessness in the city.
In the most extensive review of its kind, Shelter combined official rough-sleeping, temporary accommodation and social services figures, which showed the number of homeless people in the South West has increased by 11 per cent in a year.
is needed now More than ever
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Shelter CEO Polly Neate said: “It’s shocking to think that today, thousands of people in the South West are waking up homeless.
“Some will have spent the night shivering on a cold pavement, others crammed into a dingy, hostel room with their children. And what is worse, many are simply unaccounted for.
“On a daily basis, we speak to people and families who are desperately trying to escape the devastating trap of homelessness. A trap that is tightening thanks to decades of failure to build enough affordable homes and the impact of welfare cuts.”
A key commitment in Bristol City Council’s newly published draft corporate strategy is to “prevent people becoming homeless and reduce the overall level of homelessness, with no-one needing to spend a ‘second night out'”, as well as a pledge from mayor Marin Rees to build 2,000 new homes – including 800 affordable – each year by 2020.
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Shelter’s report also shows just how hard it can be to escape homelessness amid a drought of affordable homes and welfare reforms, such as the four-year freeze on housing benefit.
Across England, more than a third of people currently living in temporary accommodation will still be homeless in a year’s time.
To support Shelter’s urgent appeal, visit www.shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70080 to donate £3.
Read more: 10 practical ways to help Bristol’s homeless
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