Cornwall has long had a shortage of affordable housing. Housing supply for local people continues to be squeezed with more and more properties being used as holiday accommodation. The growth of online holiday lettings and the prevalence of second home ownership has led to a shift in the rental market with a reduction in tenancy availability for local people.

In the last twelve months, over 8,500 households approached the local authority in Cornwall for help with housing.  Some approaches are relatively low key but others represent emergencies.  Not everyone is entitled to support.  Nearly 3,500 households received support from the local authority last year with either homelessness prevention or temporary accommodation.

There are over 650 households, which is around 1,200 people, in temporary accommodation in the county. There are nearly 21,000 households on the social housing waiting list in the county.  That represents 8% of the population of Cornwall.

A sudden increase in pressure - like losing work - can push people into homelessness

There is little data available on the number of people who live in precarious housing situations or who are sofa surfing. However, we know that of those who received help from the local authority, over 700 people stated that family or friends were no longer willing or able to accommodate them. We believe this is the tip of the iceberg and that there are significantly more people vulnerably housed in Cornwall.

Many people who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness are not entitled to any support from the state.  That is where St Petrocs steps in to offer support and advice.

The difference we make: 2021 outcomes