Fears for older people in 'homelessness crisis'

A man in his 80s evicted from his rental property is among a growing number of older people seeking support for homelessness or housing insecurity, a charity has said.

At Home in Guernsey said it had received reports of a "significant number" of people receiving unexpected eviction notices with "no affordable alternative" place to live.

It added many of those impacted were in need of accessible accommodation due to mobility or long-term health conditions and navigating the rising rental market often felt "impossible".

Charlie Cox, chief executive of At Home in Guernsey, said: "We are deeply concerned by the number of older people now coming to us in crisis."

Cox added: "Many have built their lives in the same home for years, only to find themselves suddenly facing homelessness at a stage of life when stability matters most."

Since launching its support service in January 2025, At Home in Guernsey said it had helped more than 125 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with 11% of those aged over 65.

This year it had already supported six people, offering advocacy, signposting, emotional support, and help navigating housing options, it said.

The charity said it was calling for greater awareness of the issue, while calling for community and government "collaboration" to support access to safe accommodation.

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