Bristol News: Critical Levels of Homelessness in South West Shelter Say

Housing issues in the South West are reaching critical levels, with one call being made every four minutes to Shelter.

The housing and homeless prevention charity is warning that situation is not going to get any better.

Universal Credit, rent rates and a lack of affordable housing are the top three issues facing the ten thousand callers during the last two months. Together, they have prompted a 25 per cent increase in the number of desperate calls from the West of England.

“Every Christmas I speak to parents in despair as they face the trauma of homelessness, when they should be filling stockings and looking forward to Christmas dinner,” Mark Cook, a helpline adviser for Shelter said.

Shelter’s free, national telephone advice line is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm.

For housing advice call: 0808 800 4444