Emergency housing demand has doubled says charity
GoogleThe need for emergency accommodation in a county has more than doubled over the past five years, according to a youth charity.
YMCA Cheltenham, which supports people across Gloucestershire, said it has provided more than 100,000 nights of emergency accommodation in the last 12 months, compared to 47,000 nights in 2021.
Rob Charsley, head of communities, health and wellbeing at the charity, said the rise in demand was due to a range of factors.
"We've seen increased financial pressures, problems with mental health, physical health, addiction and substance misuse. It's not unique to Gloucestershire, but something we're seeing across the country," he said.
Between 2025 and 2026, the charity supported 652 people through its housing services, including 116 families, 78 children and 55 young people aged 16 to 24.
Chief executive Joseph Main said the charity is seeing "continued demand across housing and community support services, from people at risk of homelessness to families struggling with the cost of living".
The charity also runs FEED Cheltenham, a scheme that supports six independent community pantries.
Last year, the scheme helped feed 51% more households than the previous year.
'Huge problem'
Charsley said families across Gloucestershire are facing considerable financial difficulties.
"It's expensive to have a family in 2026. With increased rent, food and energy bills, it's really challenging," he said.
"It's a huge societal problem, and we'll only fix it by working together and taking a joined-up approach locally."
Emergency accommodation is to be provided to end the need for rough sleeping alongside practical support for any health needs, as part of a £442m package.
There is also an additional £102m in new funding, taking Burnham's total commitment to tackling rough sleeping to £442m since becoming prime minister.
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