Housing provider joins coalition to combat escalating rural homelessness crisis

Affordable housing provider Trent & Dove has joined the 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition', a collective of over 20 leading charities and housing associations.

The coalition is set to spearhead a nationwide response to the growing issue of rural homelessness in England. We are proud to be one of those members.

The formation of this coalition is a direct response to the alarming findings of a comprehensive research study conducted by the Universities of Kent and Southampton, along with a team of rural advocates and homelessness experts.

The study revealed a 24 per cent increase in official government rough sleeping numbers in rural areas within a single year. It also found that 91 per cent of rural respondents have witnessed a rise in homelessness over the past five years.

Furthermore, the research identified a 65 per cent funding gap in per capita spending on the homelessness prevention grant in rural areas compared to urban areas. These startling statistics underscore the severity of the issue and the urgent need for action.

Martyn Hale, neighbourhoods director at Trent & Dove said “We are thrilled to be part of the coalition which is key to supporting our purpose of preventing and minimising homelessness in our region.

“The 24 per cent increase in rough sleeping numbers in rural areas in a single year, is proof that more needs to be done to tackle the problem. By proudly supporting this campaign, we hope to raise awareness of these issues and bring them to the forefront. ”

As Rural Housing Week 2023 commences, the 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition' is being launched to confront this often overlooked and misunderstood issue. The coalition, led by English Rural, The National Housing Federation, and CPRE - the countryside charity, among other key organisations, is committed to five key principles: prevention, inclusion, community, place-based solutions, and visibility. These principles guide the coalition's mission to end rural homelessness through evidence-based policy and practice.

The 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition' aims to bring the hidden crisis of rural homelessness to the forefront of public and policy attention.

Dr Carin Tun�ker, one of the leading researchers responsible for the rural homelessness report, expressed support for the coalition:

"Our research has shown that rural homelessness is a real and growing problem that requires urgent attention. The 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition' represents an innovative and exciting opportunity to address this issue. By working together, we can ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to a safe, affordable home."

The launch of the 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition' during Rural Housing Week 2023 underscores the importance of addressing rural homelessness as part of the broader effort to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all. The coalition says it “will strive to ensure that the voices of those experiencing rural homelessness are heard and that effective solutions are implemented to address this pressing issue."

For more information about the 'Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition', please visit the English Rural website.