New figures released today by the charity show that the number of people its helpline has assisted who are either homeless, or face losing their home, has risen by 80 per cent in the last three years. The Shelter Helpline is an all-year-round line staffed by over 50 specialists and part-funded by retailer Marks & Spencer. Worryingly, the number of families with children at risk of homelessness assisted by the helpline has increased by 92 per cent over the same period.
Over the past year, the charity’s website has also seen a 17 per cent surge in visits to pages providing homelessness advice, compared to just a 3 per cent increase the year before.
The findings come after Shelter’s Christmas appeal warned that 75,000 children in Britain will wake up homeless this Christmas, living in temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfasts or hostels.
The charity is concerned that rising rents, increasing living costs and flatlining wages mean more and more families will struggle to keep up with their housing payments and could be at risk of losing their home in the months ahead.
Julie came to Shelter after her relationship with her husband broke down and she and her daughter had to leave the family home. “I had nowhere to go, so I returned to the area where I come from and my family lives. I made a homeless application, but the council refused to accept it as they said I have no local connection. I was desperate. I didn’t know what to do. As a last resort, I decided to call the Shelter helpline. They advised me on how to deal with the situation from a legal perspective and I managed to argue my case with the council.” Julie and her daughter are now re-housed securely.
Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said:
“These figures are a shocking reminder of the daily battle so many families are facing just to keep a roof over their head.
Through our helpline Shelter offers vital help to people who have hit rock bottom and have nowhere else to turn. Our advisers give them the advice and support they need to get back on their feet.
With demand for our services rising by the day, the support of partners like Marks & Spencer is vital in making sure we can reach more families who need our help.”
Shelter’s Helpline has already provided help to 57,000 people so far this year. Each Christmas, 5p from every item sold in the M&S Christmas Food On The Move range goes to support Shelter’s Helpline.
Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A, CSR and Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer, said:
“We’re proud that our long-standing partnership with Shelter continues to support this valuable service which clearly helps so many. For our customers and us, it’s really great to know that something as simple as choosing your lunch can make a real difference to people who risk losing their home.”
