More than 2,000 people in Devon will be homeless this Christmas

Devon faces a heartbreaking reality this festive season, with over 2,300 people, including more than 900 children, expected to be homeless during Christmas, according to a new report by national housing charity Shelter.

The report highlights that 2,100 individuals are in temporary accommodation, primarily families with children, alongside nearly 150 people sleeping rough on any given night. It also sheds light on other forms of homelessness affecting the county. The figures were derived from official homelessness data and responses to Freedom of Information requests, offering a stark reminder of the growing housing crisis.

Plymouth has been identified as having the highest rate of homelessness in Devon, with 880 people – including more than 390 children – living without a permanent home. This translates to approximately one in every 300 residents.

Other areas experiencing significant homelessness rates include:

• North Devon: 244 people homeless

• Torbay: 267 people homeless

• Exeter: 232 people homeless

In more rural districts, such as West Devon, homelessness figures are lower in absolute terms, but the scarcity of housing is severe, with 1 in 3,569 residents homeless.

Shelter attributes the alarming rise in homelessness to a combination of factors:

• Record-high private rents

• Inadequate housing benefit

• Rising evictions

• A chronic shortage of genuinely affordable social homes

For many, temporary accommodation has become anything but temporary. Government data shows that nearly half (45%) of families in temporary housing have been stuck there for more than two years, often crammed into unsuitable spaces like B&Bs where families share facilities with strangers.

The national picture is similarly bleak. Across England, over 354,000 people will face homelessness this winter, including children growing up in overcrowded and sometimes unsafe conditions.

This report supports a similar report released by the Citizens Advice Bureau in conjunction with the University of Plymouth. Entitled Hidden Homeless – South Hams, Cornwall and Plymouth, the report highlights the alarming prevalence of Hidden Homelessness in South West England. The research sheds light on the struggles of individuals who, while not living on the streets, endure precarious housing situations, including sofa surfing, overcrowded living arrangements, and unsuitable accommodations with family.

This report estimates that thousands in the region face these conditions through no fault of their own. It attributes the crisis to a combination of factors, including:

• A shortage of affordable housing to rent or buy.

• Escalating rents and house prices.

• Competition from the holiday and second-home market.

• Low wages and high interest rates.

These persistent challenges have created a bleak reality for many, with Citizens Advice South Hams Chief Executive Janie Moor stating: “There are thousands of people living in despair of ever finding a stable home.”

The report proposes a standard definition for Hidden Homelessness, encompassing individuals:

• Sofa surfing.

• Living in overcrowded accommodation but unable to move out.

• Residing with someone despite a broken relationship.

• Living with parents in problematic conditions.

Recommendations include building more affordable homes, addressing the mental health impacts of Hidden Homelessness, and appointing council officers dedicated to supporting affected individuals.

Dr. Nigel Jackson from the University of Plymouth said that it was important to defining the issue, noting: “Until we have a definition everyone agrees on, we can’t begin to tackle the problem.”

The report includes personal stories that illustrate the human cost of Hidden Homelessness:

Sadie, a single mother caring for her ailing father, was forced to leave her rental home. Now, she and her son share her father’s one-bedroom flat, living in cramped and unsuitable conditions. Sadie described her situation as hopeless, saying: “I feel like people are nitpicking and not really reading the situation. It’s like they don’t care.”

Jon, a 42-year-old who lost his business during the pandemic, moved in with his parents in rural South Hams. Despite securing a stable job, Jon cannot afford local rents. His mother lamented the lack of housing options, particularly for young single people, saying: “There is no availability at all for young single people, although there is housing for people over 55.”

The study builds on previous research highlighting the housing crisis in Devon and Cornwall, aiming to promote awareness and encourage authorities to address this growing societal issue. Citizens Advice South Hams advocates for preventative measures, with Moor asserting: “Prevention is better than cure… It will save a lot of stress and mental anguish as well as saving authorities paying for expensive temporary accommodation.”

Homeless charity Shelter is urging the public to support its Urgent Appeal to provide emergency assistance to those experiencing homelessness this winter. From expert advice for families trapped in temporary accommodation to direct support for people at risk of sleeping rough, the charity’s frontline services aim to offer hope and relief.

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, stated: “As the country prepares to wind down and celebrate the festive season in our homes, it’s unimaginable that so many people, including families with young children, will spend this winter homeless.

“Until the government builds the social homes needed to end the housing emergency, Shelter will continue to stand by those facing homelessness. But we can’t do it without public support. Your donations are critical to helping us provide emergency aid and expert advice to people in desperate need.”

The public can contribute to Shelter’s efforts by donating to the charity’s Urgent Winter Appeal. For more information or to make a donation, visit shelter.org.uk/WinterAppeal.

This Christmas, Shelter asks everyone to join the fight against homelessness, ensuring no one faces the festive season without a safe and secure place to call home.