The latest data from homelessness service providers collated by the Government of Jersey has been released – with alcohol and drugs use, mental-health problems and domestic abuse among the most-reported reasons for being homeless.
The latest Homelessness in Jersey Report covers the second quarter of this year.
Express took a look at the statistics…
Some of the figures at a glance:
- During Q2 2026, 271 homeless people received help. This is based on information provided by Freeda – formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge – as well as the Housing Advice Service, Shelter Trust, Sanctuary Trust and the Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship.
- The number is a slight decrease from the Q1 2026 figure of 287.
- It does not include “hidden homelessness” such as those who are sofa-surfing.
- Of the 271 individuals, around two-thirds were men.
- There was a slight rise in the proportion of women, as well as the proportion of people with ‘Standard’ residential and employment status.
- Just under 60% of those supported were unemployed.
- Around 183 people were accommodated by service providers, with 44% having stayed for up to six months by the end of the quarter (see graph pictured below).
- Alcohol and drugs use was cited as the leading reason for homelessness for men at 15%, followed by mental-health problems at 14%.
- Escaping domestic abuse and abusive behaviour were given as the leading reasons for homelessness for women at 34% when combined.
- People aged up to 25 remained the largest age group receiving homelessness support. For this group, 10% of the reasons for homelessness related to family breakdowns, 25% were that parents, family or friends could no longer provide accommodation and 34% were around needing support to manage independently.
The quarterly reports form part of efforts to understand and address homelessness in the island.
Earlier this year, Sanctuary Trust chief executive Sarah Tumelty told Express the charity hoped that Jersey can have “more honest conversations about the inequalities and injustices that exist in our island community”, following UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping.
The Sanctuary Trust, which since opening in 2011 has supported more than 400 men at crisis points in their lives, will be holding its annual Sleep Out fundraiser later this month.
