Over 20,000 homeless people in the West Midlands
Shelter's new research says that includes over 10,000 children without homes
Last updated 12th Jan 2023
New research from homelessness charity Shelter shows at least 20,400 people are recorded as homeless in the West Midlands, including 10,540 children.
On any given night there are 190 people sleeping rough in the West Midlands and almost 19,000 are living in temporary accommodation – most of whom are families.
The figures showed that a shocking 45% of all people in England recorded as homeless are children, an estimated 123,000 youngsters across the country.
Big rise in those living in temporary accommodation
Across England the number of people living in temporary accommodation has risen by 74% in the last 10 years – something Shelter argues is driven by the chronic shortage of social homes, and an over-reliance on private renting.
More than two-thirds of families (68%) living in temporary accommodation in England have been there for over a year.
Homeless numbers expected to rise in 2023
Shelter is issuing an urgent appeal for public support as it braces for a sharp rise in homelessness in 2023.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “The new year should be a time of hope, but this isn’t the case for the over 270,000 homeless people in England who are facing a truly bleak 2023. A cold doorway or a grotty hostel room is not a home, but this is reality for too many people today.
“Our frontline advisers are working tirelessly to help people who are desperate to escape homelessness - from the parents doing all they can to provide some shred of a normal family life while stuck in an emergency B&B, to the person terrified of another night sleeping rough.
“With private rents and living costs continuing to soar, thousands of people are not just facing a winter of worry, they are at risk of losing the roof over their head. At Shelter, we are bracing ourselves for a sharp rise in homelessness in 2023. More than ever, we will be relying on the public’s generosity to help us support and campaign for all those fighting for a safe home.”