New data has offered the clearest picture yet of who is experiencing homelessness in Jersey – with startling numbers of islanders aged under 25 years old and people in employment…
According to the government’s latest quarterly report, 295 islanders sought help for homelessness between October and December 2024.
While only a small number were recorded as sleeping rough, most were living in temporary shelters, sofa surfing, or facing eviction.
Express delved into the stats…
177 people spent time in temporary shelter accommodation
Nearly six in ten of those recorded as homeless were living in hostels, safe houses, or supported accommodation provided by charities such as The Shelter Trust, Sanctuary Trust, FREEDA and JAYF.
Rough sleepers
Of 76 cases dealt with by the Housing Advisory Service during the period, just six people recorded as ‘roofless’, which includes situations such as rough sleeping.
While that figure may seem low, it doesn’t account for what is described as “hidden homelessness” – such as sofa surfing, staying with friends or relatives, or living in unstable housing.
The biggest age group?
Islanders aged 36 to 45. 55 people recorded as homeless fell into this category – but another concerning trend stood out…
43 people under 25 were recorded as homeless
This included care leavers, young adults unable to stay at home, and young women escaping domestic abuse.
One in four homeless islanders were women
Among this group, domestic abuse was the most common cause of homelessness, cited in 22% of cases.
For men, the most common cause was substance use
Substance use was the main recorded reason for homelessness among men, accounting for 14% of cases.
Other common factors included mental health issues, job instability, and family or relationship breakdown.
128 people experienced continuous homelessness for at least three months
Some of those in temporary accommodation had been there for over six months – and a dozen people had been homeless for three years or more.
Many of the people needing urgent housing help were local and employed
This was a trend that continued from the previous set of stats. The latest report showed that:
- 87% of those seen by the Housing Advice Service had ‘Entitled’ residential status
- 58% of those recorded by accommodation providers were unemployed
- 28% had full-time work
People weren’t just lacking housing – they were in crisis
Homeless islanders were referred to a wide range of external support services, including:
- Aztec House GP clinic
- The Alcohol and Drugs Service
- Adult Mental Health
- Domestic Abuse support services
Most people found help themselves
More than half of those recorded by service providers (56%) accessed support through self-referral or informal signposting rather than official referrals from agencies or services.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION…
Jersey’s Housing Minister will join a panel of property professionals, housing providers and a political rival at a live Question Time-style event next week exploring the island’s housing challenges.
Tickets for AIM’s Housing… crisis averted? event are available here.
AIM Plus subscribers can attend for free – simply email marketing@allisland.media to secure a place. Signing up to AIM Plus starts at as little as £1, and unlocks access to online exclusive content from the JEP and Bailiwick Express, as well as tickets to our events.
For non-subscribers, they are priced at £15 for general admission and £10 for students or charities (fees included).
