Work to tackle homelessness in Exeter highlighted on World Homeless Day

Published: 10 October 2023

The work of a wide range of organisations dedicated to tackling homelessness in Exeter is being highlighted on World Homeless Day 2023.

Councillor Martin Pearce, Lead Councillor for Communities and Homeless Prevention, said a national housing crisis is increasing pressure on service providers.

He stressed that anyone could become homeless at any time, with a sudden change in their circumstances like a job loss or relationship breakdown.

He said a large range of organisations in the statutory, community and voluntary sector work tirelessly to address the problem in Exeter.

Cllr Pearce said: “World Homeless Day on 10 October is a great opportunity for us to talk about some of the work that goes on to try to alleviate homelessness here in the city.

“There is a fantastic amount of work by some amazing organisations. The City Council is a statutory service provider and out voluntary and community sector partners all work together to try and solve the problems of homelessness.”

He added: “There is a national housing crisis, rents are high and there is not enough housing being built, which means that it is really difficult for people to find appropriate, affordable accommodation for themselves.

“Even is they do, we are all precarious and close to experiencing homelessness through things like family breakdown, medical emergency or a job loss, which means you can’t keep up to date with your tenancy or mortgage payments, and all of a sudden people can find themselves homeless.

“If that terrible tragedy does strike, here in Exeter there are some fantastic services and organisations dedicated to supporting you and guiding you through it, with things like emergency accommodation, a more sustainable longer-term tenancy or helping to secure accommodation in the private rented sector.

“There are huge contributions being made by so many people and organisations – it is too big a challenge for one organisation to do on its own.”

Throughout this week the Council will feature some of the organisations dedicated to helping to tackle homelessness in Exeter by working on collaboration with partners throughout the city.

For more information visit the exeter.gov.uk/homelessawareness