Guernsey's Hidden Homelessness Crisis

It’s rare to see people sleeping rough on the streets of Guernsey, so many people don't realise the extent of the homelessness crisis in our community. But the statistics from a recent report show that over 1,000 islanders currently don't have secure housing.

This roughly equates to 1 in 64 island residents, a startling number when compared to a report by Shelter which found that, by comparison, 1 in 182 are homeless in England.

Local charity Caritas is on a mission to eliminate homelessness and address social exclusion in our community. It recently announced its ambition to raise £1m for a development that will provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in Guernsey as they get back on their feet, providing them with a sense of community and restoring their dignity.

So we reached out to them to find out what homelessness looks like here in Guernsey, and to find out more about their fundraising initiative, The Big Skipton Sleep Out.

What does homelessness look like in Guernsey?

In the context of this campaign, we are talking about housing insecurity. This spans everything from those sleeping rough (in doorways, in public toilets, in bunkers, in greenhouses in cars and in vans) through to those sofa surfing with family and friends, and those living in temporary bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation.

Who is vulnerable to becoming homeless?

Everyone is potentially only one or two steps away from becoming homeless. There are many reasons that can lead to homelessness: loss of employment, the break up of a relationship, addiction, being released from prison, illness and landlord serving notice, to name but a few.

Is there an age group that’s particularly vulnerable?

We believe that single men aged 25 - 55 are the most vulnerable because there are limited options for temporary accommodation and they typically wait longer for States housing.

Why are there so many people in Guernsey without secure housing?

The provision of housing (both States housing and in the private sector) is limited and under pressure. When this is combined with the high cost of housing on the island, it means that even those who might be able to afford to rent may not be able to find anywhere suitable in the private sector or they have a long wait for States accommodation.

How big a part does the high cost of living play?

It is a factor, however it is usually one of the triggers highlighted above that is the tipping point.

How does being homeless impact on a person’s wellbeing?

Homelessness is a stressful, lonely and often traumatic experience which adversely affects a person’s physical and mental health. Studies by Crisis, the UK charity for people experiencing homelessness, show that people living with housing insecurity are over twice as likely to suffer from a physical health issue and 44% of homeless people have a mental health diagnosis, in comparison with 23% of the general population.

Without support, homelessness can also adversely affect those prone to addiction. In addition, people may also suffer if they choose or are forced to stay in unhealthy relationships to avoid homelessness, because when a relationship breaks down a partner is forced to leave their family home.

Can we end homelessness in Guernsey?

The solution requires action across the board to provide not only better emergency and temporary housing solutions but also more housing that is affordable. This will reduce the potential for people to become homeless as well as providing better options for those.

But it’s important to understand that providing support as well as a home is important - the ‘wrap-around support’ that Prince William talked about in his recent documentary on homelessness.

How can this be achieved?

Caritas recently announced its ambition to raise £1m and secure land to build an innovative modular housing community. The development will provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness as they get back on their feet, providing them with a sense of community and restoring their dignity. This housing project will promote community engagement, sustainability, and convenience for the residents.

The modular housing complex, similar to Solohaus modular housing units have been used to address housing issues across the UK, will have a community leader, a trained professional, working together with other charities, States departments, volunteers and professionals to help the residents progress towards integrating back into mainstream society.

Image: Solohaus modular units at Emmaus Cambridge

How can the local community support this initiative?

Get involved and help combat the homelessness crisis in Guernsey by taking part in The Big Skipton Sleep Out, a mass overnight sleep out to raise vital funds for the modular housing project.

It’s taking place at the KGV on Friday 24th January 2025 from 7pm until 6.30am the following day. Participants will swap their beds for the night in an act of support for islanders experiencing homelessness, while raising funds for Caritas.