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CSAN reports 20 percent rise in London housing shortage


In the last twelve months, when rents in some London boroughs have risen by 20%, members of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) are seeing their service users finding it even more difficult to leave behind homelessness and into their own housing.

On average, 32% of people in over 450 homeless agencies identified themselves as ready to move on from hostels and shelters into rented accommodation yet are unable to do so due to a lack of affordable housing. Soaring rents combined with deposit amounts that often require two months’ worth of rent mean those able to move forward are being forced to remain in homeless services.

The homeless services surveyed reported that last year 10% of their clients had successfully entered into paid employment. The limited supply of affordable housing, however, continues to throw-up huge barriers to those re-entering society.

For those users who may have overcome health, social and psychological challenges, these financial barriers are making it harder than ever to leave homelessness behind.

Commenting on the growing problem of affordable housing in the UK, CSAN’s Chief Executive, Helen O’Brien said: “To learn that over a third of people in homeless shelters are restricted by a lack of affordable housing is shocking. This is not only a drain on the services for those most in need, but highlights even more the necessity for housing that people can afford.

We’re talking here about families and wage-earners being forced to rely on homeless services, simply because cost to rent has spiralled out of control. To be emotionally and spiritually ready to move from a shelter into your own home yet to be held back by staggering rent prices, must be truly heartbreaking”.

Chief Executive of Housing Justice, Alison Gelder added: “The word ‘homeless’ is most obviously associated with rough sleeping and it is the most visible way society encounters and understands housing need.

"But homelessness has many faces – and shelters, supported housing and overflow B&Bs accommodate many people who are navigating their way between street and a home of their own. Housing Justice is calling on churches and parishioners to do all they can to increase the supply of genuinely affordable housing.

Without adequate and affordable housing, re-entering society is like trying to climb a ladder without rungs or foot holes.”

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