Nearly 1,500 people across Devon estimated as homeless this Christmas
Charity Shelter says most of those are in temporary accommodation
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
Nearly 8,000 people are homeless in the South West right now, including almost 3,000 children, according to new research published by Shelter.
Its analysis of official rough-sleeping and temporary accommodation figures shows that more than 350 people are sleeping rough on any given night and over 7,300 are living in temporary accommodation – many of whom are families.
Shelter estimates 1,483 people across Devon will be homeless this Christmas.
The charity says Covid protections such as the ‘Everyone In’ scheme, the eviction ban, and the boost to Universal Credit played a vital role in keeping people in their homes and supressing homelessness during the pandemic.
However it is warning that with these protections gone, living costs soaring and another uncertain winter ahead, there is a risk of the flood gates reopening and thousands more people losing their homes across the country.
Shelter is calling on the public to support its frontline workers who have been inundated with calls to its emergency helpline from people facing homelessness this winter.
The charity says it is hearing from people who are facing a night on the streets in freezing conditions after being turned away from emergency accommodation, as well as families in dire straits living in grotty hostel rooms where parents and siblings are forced to share beds, and there are only communal facilities.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: "We predicted the pandemic would trigger a rising tide of evictions and our services are starting to see the reality of this now. We’re flooded with calls from families and people of all ages who are homeless or on the verge of losing their home".
Shelter’s new report also reveals the areas across the South West where homelessness is most acute:
• Bristol is the city with the highest rate of homelessness with one in 236 people homeless.
• One in 401 are homeless in Gloucester.
• In Torbay, one in 434 people are without a home.
Shelter says that whilst its analysis is the most comprehensive overview of recorded homelessness in the country, the figure is likely to be an underestimate due to limited reporting.
In addition, some types of homelessness go entirely undocumented, such as sofa surfing, meaning the true figure will be much higher.
Polly Neate continued: "It is shameful that almost 8,000 in the South West are without a home, and with Covid protections now gone thousands more will be joining them.
"A shoddy hostel room or a freezing cold doorway is no place to wake up on Christmas morning, but sadly so many people will.
"This winter the work of our frontline staff is as critical as ever. Our emergency helpline advisers work 365 days a year, doing everything they can to help people find a safe and secure home.
"By giving a little the public can help us do a lot - with their support we can keep providing support and advice to thousands of families facing homelessness this year".
You can read more about Shelter's Winter Appeal and find out how to donate on its website.