The landscape of homelessness in England is shifting, with a concerning and heart-wrenching trend that we cannot ignore: the rising number of families finding themselves in temporary accommodation. For many of us, homelessness may evoke images of single individuals on the streets. But today’s reality includes thousands of families, with parents, young children, and even newborns being forced into unstable living situations. At Church Homeless Charity, we are dedicated to shining a light on this urgent crisis, and stepping in to support families facing these difficult circumstances.
A growing crisis in temporary accommodation
Recent statistics reveal that the number of families placed in temporary accommodation has been rising steadily, signalling an urgent need for action. According to data from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, over 150,000 households with children were living in temporary accommodation across England. (Figures released by Shelter in November 2024 reveal a 15% increase in one year, taking the total to 159,000.) They also showed the number of homeless families living in emergency accommodation such as B&Bs and hostels rose by 29% in a year. This situation is not only destabilizing for families but also stretches already overburdened support systems and local councils struggling to meet demand.
The reasons behind the growing crisis
Understanding the reasons behind this rise in family homelessness is complex, but several key factors contribute to the issue:
- Lack of affordable housing: With property prices and rent costs outpacing wage growth, low-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to secure affordable homes. Social housing, which has long been a safety net for those in need, is in short supply. The gap between demand and available affordable housing has widened, pushing families into temporary and often unsuitable accommodations.
- Cuts to welfare support: In recent years, cuts to welfare benefits, including reductions in housing benefits and changes to Universal Credit, have put immense pressure on struggling families. As a result, many parents find themselves unable to cover rent or other essentials, making homelessness an unfortunate reality when they can no longer keep up.
- Rise in private renting: The shift toward private renting, coupled with minimal tenant protections, means families are more vulnerable to eviction. Some landlords, faced with their own financial pressures, have been forced to increase rents or repurpose properties, leading to a higher rate of ‘no-fault’ evictions.
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic brought an economic shock that many households are still recovering from. Families who lost jobs or endured pay cuts may have found it nearly impossible to keep up with rent payments, especially without a substantial safety net in place. The increased cost of living has only exacerbated these struggles, leaving more and more families facing the possibility of homelessness.
The human cost: Families living in limbo
The impact of temporary accommodation on families goes beyond numbers. For parents, the stress of not knowing what is around the corner takes its toll. It affects their ability to work, provide stability, and make a home in the true sense of the word. For children, homelessness can impact their education, emotional well-being, and development, creating long-lasting effects that may follow them throughout their lives.
The places where families end up—often cramped, with limited cooking facilities, and lacking privacy—are not suitable for raising children. This reality has left thousands of families ‘stuck’ in a cycle of temporary accommodation, unable to find the stability that a permanent home provides.
How Church Homeless Charity is helping
At Church Homeless Charity, we recognise the specific needs of homeless families and are working to make a difference. At present, we support 14 family-specific homeless schemes across England with timely and tailored grants. Through these schemes, we are helping families get back on their feet by providing assistance for items such as:
- Household necessities, including furniture and appliances
- School uniforms and essential items for children
- Transportation to job interviews, schooling, and medical appointments
- Support for mental health and well-being programs
By meeting these immediate needs, we aim to restore a sense of dignity and stability for families experiencing homelessness. We believe in empowering families to rebuild their lives by giving them the resources to create a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Our goal is to be more than just a helping hand—we aim to provide the tools families need to find a pathway out of homelessness, so they can thrive.
Join us in making a difference
The crisis of families in temporary accommodation is growing, and we need to come together to address it. Your support helps us to extend our reach and impact more lives. Together, we can bring about real change, one family at a time, ensuring that every parent and child has a safe place to call home.