A year after launching with the aim of addressing homelessness in the island, At Home in Guernsey has outlined its plans for 2025.

The charity aims to provide support, raise awareness, and advocate for better support for those experiencing homelessness in Guernsey. 

It is also prioritising data collection and collaboration with other agencies, and wants to utilise Guernsey’s second fully island-wide election to help rally further support to tackle the housing crisis politically.

Plans for 2025 

A key focus for 2025 is the launch of a local ‘Home Share Scheme’, inspired by successful models elsewhere. 

This will aim to connect people with spare rooms (either voluntarily or for payment) with homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness.

To further address the needs of Guernsey’s ‘roofless’ population (those sleeping rough), the charity also plans to open a Day Centre which will offer practical and emotional support, as well as connections to other services, addressing barriers that currently prevent access to help.

The charity will continue developing its ‘Support Plus’ service, aiming to streamline access to assistance and reduce the burden on clients having to repeatedly explain their situations. Staff are also in discussions with the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure regarding collaboration on the Housing Plan’s homelessness work-stream.

A significant development for this year is the charity’s intention to address the urgent need for “interim accommodation”. That is suitable, affordable, short-term housing for those moving towards social or private rented accommodation. They are actively seeking a building that could be used for this purpose.

At Home in Guernsey said: “We had intended to focus on the provision of support services more than anything else. But over the last year we have come to same conclusion as the Foundation, namely that there is a desperate need for ‘interim accommodation’ – being decent, affordable short- term accommodation for people who will eventually move into social housing or private rented accommodation.

“Interim accommodation would reduce competition for emergency accommodation, which is in very short supply. We are looking for a suitable building and would welcome conversations with anyone who may have premises, in whatever condition, that could be used in this way.”

The election

At Home in Guernsey said it aims to engage with candidates ahead of the 2025 election, asking them to pledge support for policies that address homelessness, increase emergency housing provision, reduce the social housing waiting list, and advance the Housing Plan’s homelessness work-stream.  

“We know that Guernsey has enough bedrooms to accommodate everyone, even if loading in someone else’s home is only a temporary solution for someone with deeper housing problems,” said the charity.

“With support from our partners in the States and the charitable sector, we have started to develop a Home Share scheme. Under this scheme, islanders with extra room in their homes can provide living space for someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; they can do this in a voluntary or paid capacity.”

Voters will choose the next States in June, with candidates having to declare their intention to stand during May.

Candidates will need to be nominated and seconded by two people who are both on the electoral roll between 12 May and 14 May. Official campaigning then begins – although some candidates have already started.

A year of growth

In its first year the charity focused on establishing itself and understanding the local landscape.  With support from Specsavers, it appointed Charlie Cox as Chief Executive and brought onboard it first support worker in September.

The charity says it will soon be appointing a second support worker to keep up with demand. 

At Home in Guernsey began accepting referrals, and developed its ‘Support Plus’ service to provide emotional and practical support, advocacy, and signposting for those experiencing homelessness. 

It has also prioritised building partnerships with other local agencies and began developing plans for a Home Share Scheme and a Day Centre to address key gaps in service provision.  

If you’d like to find out more about At Home in Guernsey, you can visit its Facebook page HERE, or website HERE.