Sunderland Council reveal shocking homelessness statistics as Christmas approaches

Sunderland City Council have issued a statement about the drastic increase in homelessness in the area over the last few years.  After being contacted by Spark Sunderland, a Sunderland City Council spokesperson revealed that: “Requests for temporary accommodation in Sunderland have doubled in the last two years.” 

According to the council, they deal with six homelessness referrals each day on average, which is an increase of 25% in the last five years. 

Credits: Oasis Community Housing/Media Borne

The North East based charity Oasis Community Housing said that although they are trying to provide for as many homeless individuals as possible with “a safe, stable, warm home where people feel fully supported”, the increase in homelessness this year is “continued and shocking”. 

This year alone, the regional charity has supported 1,300 men, women and young people, which is an increase from the previous year of more than 300 people. 

They believe the increased demand for homeless accommodation during this year specifically is likely caused by “early prison releases, rising daily costs and other strained socio-economic factors.” 

These claims are backed up by recent Government statistics that show the number of prison releases from April to June 2024 has been the highest since pre-covid. While UK consumer prices have increased by over 20% from May 2021 to 2024. 

Credits: Oasis Community Housing/Media Borne

However, the trend of a growing homeless population is not exclusive to Sunderland as the council says it is “a continuing issue across the country” and that “Sunderland is no different from the rest of the UK in this matter.” 

Statistics posted in November 2024 by Shelter, a national homeless charity, show that 123,100 households are living in temporary accommodation, which is an increase of 16% since last year. This includes 159,380 children who are living in temporary accommodation, the highest figure of homeless children since their records began in 2004. 

The Chief Executive of Oasis Community Housing, Sarah Lister, explained the devasting effects of the winter on those sleeping rough: “At this time of the year, freezing temperatures compound the unimaginable daily battle people face while sleeping on the streets; to stay safe, to find food, we’ve had people tell us they woke up and their eyes were frozen together.” 

The organisation is asking for members of the public to donate to their ‘Giving a Home’ Christmas appeal that will support their continued work in the year ahead as they aim to “end homelessness for good”. 

Credits: Oasis Community Housing/Media Borne

For anyone struggling with homelessness this winter, Oasis Community Housing has two drop-in centres open 9am to 5pm in Sunderland and Gateshead.  

Their drop-in facilities include showers, washing machines, toilets, fresh clothes, hot drinks, left luggage, and places to make and receive phone calls. During these sessions, they also provide advice, nurse clinics, doctor drop-ins, practical support and links to local authority and charity services. They offer long-term housing support through referrals from local authorities. 

Meanwhile, Sunderland City Council requests that anyone currently struggling with homelessness or being threatened with homelessness in the area should call their Housing Options Team between Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm on 0191 520 5551 or 0800 2346084.  

The Housing Options Team also operates out of hours, should you find yourself homeless in an emergency you can contact them using the same numbers.