“If your housing situation is characterised by the absence of at least one of these three elements (affordability, adequacy, security), you are experiencing ‘severe housing problems’; in the absence of at least two elements, you are functionally homeless.” 

CAG has published a report into the level of homelessness it has witnessed during its work with people in Guernsey. Utilising the definition above it has produced the following graph: 

“Over the past 12 months (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023) there have been 31 clients who were either already homeless or were at risk of becoming homeless,” said CAG in the report. 

“From reading the case sheets it was clear that many clients in crisis had approached St Julian’s House, but unfortunately, no one appeared to have gained even temporary accommodation. It is not clear if this is related to the criteria for entry or lack of capacity of the House, or a combination of factors. 

“For an individual the non-availability of a bed turns a demanding situation into a crisis.” 

Pictured: Reasons for homelessness.

CAG has warned that more work needs to be done on tackling homelessness, as the issue is clearly getting worse. 

“Further adoption of the recommendations of the Guernsey Community Foundation, such as investigating a dedicated housing charity, is in progress,” it said. 

“The rest of the Guernsey Community Foundation recommendations need further consideration, with States of Guernsey involvement and preferably urgent action. 

“The island is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis with rising mortgage interest and rental costs. It is expected that homelessness will continue to increase without active interventions.”