Commenting on Welsh Government homelessness statistics for 2019-20 published today - showing the number of households staying in temporary accommodation across Wales was at its highest level since 2015 - Crisis Chief Executive, Jon Sparkes, said:

"These figures show that as the UK-wide lockdowns started earlier this year the number of people across Wales staying in temporary accommodation like B&Bs and hostels, without a home, was at its highest level since 2015. The ongoing, extraordinary work since March by councils, public services and the Welsh Government to provide emergency accommodation has dramatically reduced the number of people exposed to the virus and undoubtedly saved many lives.

"While this short term help needs to continue during the pandemic, and the winter, we need a longer term government plan and the funding needed to prevent homelessness in the first place and to respond quickly to rehouse people who have lost their homes. Only by supporting people into safe and settled housing can we end homelessness for good in Wales."

 

Note

Welsh Government statistics release, Homelessness: April 2019 to March 2020