A charity working with people at risk of homelessness has warned that older adults are increasingly at risk of being displaced from their current addresses.
At Home in Guernsey says its work since launching just over a year ago has shown that many older people are having to move out from rental properties they have occupied for decades.
The charity said this is down to rising private rental costs and unexpected eviction notices that are leaving many people on fixed or lower incomes with few affordable alternatives.
The charity is now calling for “greater awareness of the realities faced by older islanders in the current housing market” and for the “continued community and government collaboration to ensure everyone has access to safe, secure, and appropriate accommodation”.
For those with mobility issues or long-term health conditions, the charity says finding new homes is a challenge compounded by a lack of accessible accommodation.
It says the way Guernsey’s housing crisis has hit older portions of the island’s community is reflected in the growing number of people seeking assistance.
Personal testimony
The charity has shared the story of someone using its services, with their identity protected under anonymity.
At Home in Guernsey helped someone in his eighties earlier this year after he received an eviction notice.
That meant he was at risk of being forced into homelessness.
Although the charity continues to support him to find and secure alternative accommodation, his situation remains unstable, it said.
AHG adds that his landlord has been extending his stay but only for one month at a time.
This means the man’s future housing situation is not secure and due to his age and mobility needs finding other suitable options are extremely limited.
Support services
The charity has helped more than 125 people since its support service launched in January 2025.
Last year, staff supported 14 people over the age of 65 and in 2026 six individuals in that age bracket have already been supported.
AHG is reporting that some community members in Guernsey have been forced into extreme situations, including sleeping in bunkers, tents, and cars, or relying on sofa surfing.
The charity has also pointed to data from the national organisation ‘Crisis’ which highlights the severe personal and financial toll of the housing crisis on older populations.
That data says that one in five older people (17%) are unable to retire specifically due to housing costs, and homelessness among older adults in England has increased by more than 50% over the last five years.
Two-thirds of those surveyed individuals (66%) have avoided using their heating, hot water, or electricity where possible.
Then there’s the added social isolation implication with 64% of respondents going out less often and 28% saying that cost-cutting measures have left them feeling lonelier.
Guernsey
Charlie Cox, CEO of At Home in Guernsey, said the charity is seeing similar patterns here too.
“We are deeply concerned by the number of older people now coming to us in crisis.
“Many have built their lives in the same home for years, only to find themselves suddenly facing homelessness at a stage of life when stability matters most.”
LISTEN:
At Home in Guernsey CEO Charlie Cox spoke to Express news editor Laura Clayton earlier in 2026 about the work the charity completed during 2025 and what is coming next.
SUPPORT
If you’re in need of support and are at risk of homelessness, you can find out more about the services of At Home in Guernsey on its website, or you can contact the team directly through info@athome.gg or on 07781 150478.