One in three homeless people in work

Shocking new data reveals that one in three people receiving homelessness support in Jersey are in work.

Of the 271 homeless people receiving support between April and June 2026, 33% were employed.

The Shelter Trust says this is an important reminder that homelessness doesn't only affect people who are jobless.

Up to three reasons for homelessness for each person receiving help are recorded.

For men, the most common was alcohol and drugs, followed by mental health problems.

Escaping domestic abuse and abusive behaviour were the leading reported reasons for homelessness for women.

Josephine Scott, Director of the Shelter Trust, said:

"People come to Shelter's doors for a number of reasons, it's very rarely just one reason why someone presents to us.

"Often the reasons are complex, they're interlinking. It can be as a result of relationship breakdowns, physical health, mental health, bereavement, recent or previous trauma, care-leavers, prison leavers, people escaping domestic abuse.

"We're all aware of the cost-of-living crisis, individuals on low incomes, affordability is becoming more of an issue in terms of the feedback and the reasons for people presenting to us."

People aged up to 25 were the largest age group receiving homelessness support, and the reasons given for that were:

• Needing support to manage independently
• Parents, family or friends no longer being able to provide accommodation
• Family breakdowns

Ms Scott added:

"Early intervention is really important. A lot of the time when people present to us, they're in crisis already, so it's working alongside the individuals presenting to us to help them link into other support services.

"Whether that's Adult Mental Health Services, whether it's other charities that can work alongside us in support of that person's return to independent living as soon as practically responsible.

"People are inevitably concerned at this time of year. A number of bills are high, utility bills, people are concerned about the heating, people are having to make difficult choices between paying their rent, food bills.

"We just continue to encourage people, if you are struggling, please get in touch with us."

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham made a pledge on his first day in post to end rough sleeping, and Ms Scott has told Channel 103 she hopes the Government of Jersey will deliver a similar message.

Help if you're homeless or about to become homeless

Shelter Trust - Supporting anyone aged 16 and over who needs emergency support. 01534 730235 / admin@shelter.gov.je

FREEDA - Offering safe accommodation and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse. 01534 281271 (24/7 helpline) / hello@freeda.je

Sanctuary Trust - Offering accommodation and support for men who are homeless, as well as outreach support for people at risk of homelessness - 01534 743732 / info@sanctuarytrust.org.je

JAYF - Offering safe, supervised accommodation to 18-25 year-olds who are experiencing homelessness - 07797 716575 / enquiries@jayf.org.je