Homelessness is not inevitable but the number of people facing homelessness in Wales remains high. We have the power to change this. Together, we can turn the tide.
Every day here at Crisis in Wales, we see the traumatic impact of homelessness. Homelessness can affect all aspects of people’s lives - our mental and physical wellbeing, work, education and our relationships.
Everyone needs a safe and stable space to call home but across every part of Wales, the number of people facing homelessness has been rising. Our latest research shows that without urgent action, homelessness in Wales could rise another 24% by 2041.
It doesn't have to be this way. We know it is possible to create a Wales where early support helps to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place, where people experiencing homelessness can get the help they need, and where people can access affordable homes.
With the right system changes, we can build a future where everyone in Wales has a safe, secure place to live.
With the May 2026 Senedd election approaching, find out what we're asking political parties to do to end homelessness in Wales and how you can get involved.
We know that ending homelessness in Wales is possible. But it requires political commitments to:
Over the coming weeks, candidates might start knocking on your door. They’ll want to know what matters to you. Speak up to end homelessness by asking these questions and sharing our stats:
"I’m really concerned so many people in my area are facing homelessness. Will your party create a plan to end homelessness for Wales?"
"Crisis - the homelessness charity - say the new homelessness law in Wales could help stop people becoming homeless. It will also improve support for people without a home. How will you make sure this law works in practice?"
I believe everyone should have a safe, stable and affordable home. How will you make sure this happens? And will you create the social homes we desperately need?
Last year, councils recorded nearly 13,300 households who were homeless in Wales. And there will be more that weren’t recorded. (Welsh Government Statistics)
Research shows that, unless we take bold action, homelessness in Wales could rise by 24% by 2041. (The Homelessness Monitor: Wales, Crisis and Heriot-Watt University, 2025)
Every month, around 11,000 people in Wales are living in temporary accommodation. This can be for months on end - without basic cooking and laundry facilities. And people often have no idea when they’ll get a stable home. (Welsh Government Statistics)
Around 94,000 households across Wales are waiting for a social home. This can take years. (Shelter Cymru “Waiting for a Home”, 2025)
Crisis has long been calling for changes to the law on homelessness to help prevent homelessness and improve support.
On 10 February 2026, we celebrated as a new homelessness law was given the green light with a unanimous vote in the Senedd.
This new law reflects many of the recommendations made by the Expert Review Panel on homelessness, which Crisis co-ordinated in 2022. It holds the potential to be life-changing.
Crisis will now be calling on the next Welsh Government to invest in the new law and ensure it is as effective as possible in helping to work towards ending homelessness in Wales.
While efforts have been made to increase affordable homes, Wales still desperately needs more social housing. Thousands of people face long waiting lists, with many forced into temporary accommodation or unsuitable private rentals. Without enough social homes, people are more likely to experience housing instability and homelessness.
Social housing is critical for preventing homelessness, providing stability for people and reducing pressure on local services.
The next Welsh Government must commit to further ambitious social housebuilding targets, which meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. There must be sustained funding, and we must ensure social homes are genuinely affordable and accessible to those who need them most. With the right political commitment, we can build the homes Wales urgently needs and stop more people being pushed into homelessness.
The Welsh Senedd election in May 2026 comes at a pivotal moment in the housing crisis Wales is facing. Wales continues to see rising housing costs, limited availability of secure, affordable homes and, in recent years, high numbers of people at risk of homelessness.
This election is our chance to speak up and demand further action on homelessness. If political candidates and parties want our votes, they must commit to ending homelessness for good.
We’re calling on all political parties to prioritise action that strengthens prevention, increases affordable housing and ensures people receive the support they need long before they reach crisis point. That’s why Crisis has supported changes to the law on homelessness in Wales. But changing the law is only part of the solution. The next Welsh Government and parliament must make sure new homelessness legislation is properly funded and works in practice, with public services working together to prevent homelessness before it happens.
By committing to meaningful reform and ensuring we have the housing supply needed, the next Welsh Government can help ensure everyone in Wales has a safe and stable place to call home.
