Tuesday 27 December 2011

35,000 people face losing home before Christmas | News | Inside Housing

Around 35,000 people face being made homeless between now and Christmas, a housing charity warns.

Shelter said today that every two minutes, someone in the country faces losing their home.

The charity – which today launched its Christmas campaign - said 630 people a day will receive a letter threatening them with the loss of their home.

Shelter said research showed that 61 per cent of people who have experienced homelessness or the threat of homelessness found it directly led to a stress related illness

70 percent said they spent most of their time worrying about it.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said: ‘This research shows the shocking impact that homelessness has on people’s lives.

‘We know only too well that being made homeless, or living each day under the constant threat of homelessness, is an horrific experience that can tear families apart.

‘And with someone facing losing their home every two minutes, the reality is this is a fate that could happen to any one of us.

‘All it takes is one small thing, such as an illness or financial trouble, and things can soon spiral out of control.

‘It’s possible that 35,000 people could face this prospect between now and Christmas Day.’

Shelter’s campaign features six families who were either homeless last Christmas or who are living under the threat of homelessness now.