In the last two years, there's been a 63% increase in the number of men needing our services. Since the beginning of this year, we've sadly had to turn away 25 men because our emergency accommodation, Sanctuary House, has been at full occupancy. We sadly expect numbers to keep rising with the cost of living and housing crisis the island is facing.
Since Sanctuary Trust was set up in 2011, more than 300 men have used our services. We are one of several local homeless charities which, together, support more than 200 islanders at any one time who don't have anywhere to live.
In Jersey, homelessness is a hidden issue. We may not see it overtly on the streets. But it exists, with people sleeping in cars, on sofas and at the charity shelters. Homelessness is indiscriminate and yet all too often those experiencing it are discriminated against. The fact is, homelessness can happen to anyone, at any time.
Help us to eradicate homelessness in the island. Sleep Out for Sanctuary.