A charity working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness says it supported 125 people in its first year – and the CEO fears that is “just the tip of the iceberg”.
At Home in Guernsey was launched in 2024 to address the people most at risk by the island’s housing crisis.
At that time it was estimated that around 1,000 people were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness – that includes people in short-term rental accommodation, sofa surfing, staying in hotels or with friends, and those who are already ‘roofless’.
The charity started its support service, working directly with those in need, in January 2025.
By the end of last year, CEO Charlie Cox said she and the two support workers had helped 125. Some of those people came directly to the charity for help, while others were referred or identified through other means.
“Each of the 125 people who came to us last year carries their own story,” she said. “Their experiences show how deeply homelessness affects our community — and how essential it is that we continue building pathways out of housing insecurity.”
Among the 125 people are individuals and families, at least one with three generations all looking for a new home together.
Ms Cox said the total number includes people sleeping in bunkers, tents, and cars as well as those who are sofa surfing or those who have been evicted from rented accommodation.
The ages range from early 20s to mid 80s she said, including some older people who have been privately renting for decades but now can’t afford the high prices that are asked in Guernsey.
Ms Cox said the figure highlights both the scale of hidden homelessness in Guernsey and the urgent need for coordinated action.
As well as working with the States on the island’s first Homelessness Delivery and Implementation Plan, At Home in Guernsey has also launched a Homelessness Notification Form to strengthen data collection and referrals across the different agencies and States’ bodies that may be able to help.
At Home in Guernsey is also planning to expand its services in 2026 through new initiatives such as Supported Lodgings, a planned Day Centre, and future interim accommodation for adults on the Social Housing Waiting List.
LISTEN:
At Home in Guernsey CEO Charlie Cox spoke to Express news editor Laura Clayton about the work the charity completed during 2025 and what is coming next.