YMCA: County's emergency housing demand doubles in five years

Emergency housing demand has doubled says charity Image source, Google Image caption, Families facing financial difficulties are one of the reasons the charity gives for the increased demand By Daisy Bodkin BBC Gloucestershire Published 7 hours ago The need for emergency accommodation in a county has more than doubled over the past five years, according to a youth charity. YMCA Cheltenham, which supports people across Gloucestershire, said it has provided more than 100,000 nights of emergency accommodation in the last 12 months, compared to 47,000 nights in 2021. Rob Charsley, head of communities, health and wellbeing at the charity, said the rise in demand was due to a range of factors. "We've seen increased financial pressures, problems with mental health, physical health, addiction and substance misuse. It's not unique to Gloucestershire, but something we're seeing across the country," he said. Alice Webb's family approve of new cosmetic laws Published 1 day ago Shut slip roads will cause 'exceptional problems' Published 1 day ago Gloucestershire M5 junction to close for two years Published 2 days ago Between 2025 and 2026, the charity supported 652 people through its housing services, including 116 families, 78 children and 55 young people aged 16 to 24. Chief executive Joseph Main said the charity is seeing "continued demand across housing and community support services, from people at risk of homelessness to families struggling with the cost of living". The charity also runs FEED Cheltenham, a scheme that supports six independent community pantries. Last year, the scheme helped feed 51% more households than the previous year. 'Huge problem' Charsley said families across Gloucestershire are facing considerable financial difficulties. "It's expensive to have a family in 2026. With increased rent, food and energy bills, it's really challenging," he said. "It's a huge societal problem, and we'll only fix it by working together and taking a joined-up approach locally." The Prime Minister made ending rough sleeping his first pledge when entering Downing Street in July and in August said he wants "to get everyone in for Christmas". Emergency accommodation is to be provided to end the need for rough sleeping alongside practical support for any health needs, as part of a £442m package. There is also an additional £102m in new funding, taking Burnham's total commitment to tackling rough sleeping to £442m since becoming prime minister. More on this story MP seeks help to tackle high rough sleeping rate Published 6 July Charity shop closure 'means town losing safe space' Published 14 March 2025 Council explores ways to tackle city's homelessness Published 20 November 2025 Get in touch Your Voice Contact form Contact form Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook , external , X , external and Instagram , external . Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 . Related topics Gloucestershire YMCA Cheltenham Homelessness