Guernsey homelessness charity supports more than 125 people in first year

Thursday, 12 February 2026 07:00

At Home in Guernsey has called 2025 "a powerful first full year".

At Home in Guernsey launched its support service in January 2025 to help individuals and families who were at risk of losing, or had already lost, their homes.

Charity CEO Charlie Cox says although the myth that homelessness does not exist in Guernsey persists, more than 125 islanders came to them for help in 2025.

Charlie told Island FM that the number of clients, from all walks of life, shows how widespread hidden homelessness is in Guernsey and highlights the urgent need for coordinated action.

"People in Guernsey are forced into homelessness because of the price of private rental.

"Eviction notices are coming through that people weren't expecting, which means they're often left with a very short amount of time to make other plans.

"Everyone is squeezed with the cost of living, so there's often not that ability to rely on family and friends.

"It's possible that anyone could be pushed into homelessness."

At the end of 2025, she says they saw a big increase in older adults being put at risk of becoming homeless.

"That's just something that shocks the community, that people don't think happens.

"We've got clients in their 80s coming to us who are being evicted.

"They've worked their entire lives, they thought they were secure, and then suddenly something happens, often out of their control, and they're in this situation."

Going into its second year, At Home in Guernsey plans to expand.

The Supported Lodgings initiative, where islanders can rent out spare rooms is gaining momentum, and the charity has secured property in St Peter Port to open a day centre for homeless people to rest and meet support services.