Homeless charity 'concerned' by referral rise

A homeless charity said it was "deeply concerned" by an increase in referrals for its services.

At Home in Guernsey said it had already supported 104 people in 2026 compared to 125 for the whole of 2025.

It said most referrals had come through its notification form, which launched in November. As of June, it said more than 150 people had used the form - 67 of those in 2026.

Support worker Caitlin Duquemin said although the increase reflected growing awareness of the service "there is no doubt the number of people seeking support because they are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness is growing and is likely to continue to do so".

The charity said people listed winter let leases running out, high private rents and limited emergency accommodation as reasons for them becoming homeless.

It also said some people were living in their vehicles or had been evicted from their homes.

In May, the States of Guernsey said it would work with the charity to support staff at St Julian's House, an emergency homeless shelter, helping residents to develop skills and find employment as they attempt to move into private or social accommodation.

Member of the Committee for Housing Deputy Garry Collins said the States was also "continuing to develop the Homelessness Delivery and Implementation Plan" alongside the charity and stakeholders from the States and charity sector.

He said: "This plan will include working with the voluntary sector to identify and deliver emergency and temporary accommodation options, co-ordinating support services around individuals, developing a single point of contact within the States for those who are homeless, and clearly defining homelessness so that all services are working within the same parameters.

"Together we hope that these actions will make a material difference in addressing homelessness in Guernsey."

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