Homelessness charity Crisis has made the “unthinkable” decision to become a landlord for the first time in its 60-year history. This unprecedented move is a direct response to the critical lack of accessible social homes for the people it supports.

Key Takeaways:

• The Goal: Crisis CEO Matt Downie announced the charity will launch a major fundraising appeal to buy its own mainstream housing to shelter its users.
• The Scale: The initial plan is to acquire at least 1,000 homes, with the ambition to scale up significantly to demonstrate that “the solution to homelessness is housing.”
• The Reason: Downie stated that the required stock from councils and housing associations is “just no longer available,” forcing the charity to step in where others cannot.

Context of the Crisis

The announcement comes as a new study by Crisis reveals a worsening national crisis:

• Acute Homelessness: Nearly 300,000 families and individuals in England are now experiencing the “worst forms of homelessness,” including rough sleeping and unsuitable temporary accommodation.
• Rising Numbers: Acute homelessness has risen by 21% since 2022 and 45% since 2012.
• Policy Call: Crisis called for a rapid government response, urging ministers to deliver social homes at scale and restore housing benefits to cover the true cost of rents.