Support For The Homeless Announced

A dedicated email address has been set up for the homeless, and people who cannot stay in their home, to contact the government, so they can get a roof over their heads as soon as possible.

[email protected] is being manned by the Housing Gateway Team and Safeguarding Officers to give help to those who need it.

Landlords, guesthouses and hotel owners are also asked to get in touch if they have empty accommodation that can be used temporarily.

Housing Minister Senator Sam Mezec is also urging people concerned with their current housing situation to stay put if it's safe to do so.

"If you are a parent or carer struggling please let us know. If you know someone who is struggling please let us know.

"Let’s work together to be the eyes and ears in the community to safeguard our children and families during this turbulent time.

"So please stay in, stay put and stay safe."

Emergency legislation is also being prepared that will suspend all rent increases, stop tenants being evicted for financial reasons because of the coronavirus outbreak and stop tenancies from being terminated unless both parties agree.

It was revealed in the States Assembly last week that tenants in Jersey will not be evicted during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jersey's courts will not be hearing eviction cases at the moment and anyone who has a tenancy that's about to end is also urged to stay where they are unless it's unsafe to do so.

"Please do not consider moving homes during this time unless it is absolutely necessary for medical or personal safety grounds. Moving properties will put you and your family in unnecessary contact with other people and potentially increase the likelihood of the virus spreading.

"Stay put, contact your landlords, housing associations and letting agents and explain the circumstances. At the same time, I urge you to continue, as far as possible, to meet your obligations as a tenant – keep your property in a good state of repair and do not create problems for other residents who might be self-isolating or spending long periods of time at home. If you can afford to pay your rent then please do so. Do not default. But if you are struggling financially, see what support is available from Government. You can do that by going to gov.je or by calling the coronavirus call centre on 445566."

Senator Mezec says he was presented with a figure of around 50 people, at the start of the pandemic, that were on the Housing Gateway in need of urgent housing assistance.