Single-parent families are almost four times more likely to be homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in England, new Shelter research reveals

Single-parent families are almost four times more likely to be homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in England, new Shelter research reveals

WATCH FULL ‘OUR HOUSE’ AD HERE

Shelter and HSBC UK release powerful new advert to raise vital funds for those impacted by the housing emergency

New analysis from Shelter shows that 124,210 families in England faced homelessness in 2024/25 — equivalent to one in every 57 families — including 70,630 single-parent households, or one in every 24 single-parent families.

Drawing on the government’s latest statutory homelessness statistics, the research shows how quickly the housing emergency is spiralling out of control, with more families being pushed into homelessness and trapped in cramped and insecure temporary accommodation in England.

According to Shelter’s new analysis:

There has been a 10% increase in the number of families assessed by their local council as homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness compared to five years ago (2019/20).

The risk varies regionally, with London (24% increase) and the North East (31% increase) seeing particularly sharp rises, and single-parent families disproportionately affected across all areas of England

Lone parent families are four times more likely to face homelessness than families with more than one adult.

These figures coincide with the launch of a powerful new TV advert by Shelter and HSBC UK, highlighting the grim reality faced by families experiencing homelessness in temporary accommodation. Following one family's story, the advert follows the often-hidden struggles of families in temporary accommodation — with families stuck in grotty, unsafe accommodation where vital repairs go undone for months. Set to the iconic lyrics from Our House byMadness, the film contrasts the vital importance of a safe and secure home with the harsh realities faced by thousands of families who are trapped in temporary accommodation.

Angela Carruthers has been homeless for two years and is currently living in temporary accommodation in Birmingham.

Angela and her children have been moved three times since losing their home of 12 years. When the family moved into their current accommodation — late at night after a long shift at work — there was no electricity, and the boiler was broken. They spent five days without heating, hot water or power before repairs were finally carried out.

Angela was recently threatened with eviction again because, despite working full-time, she couldn’t keep up with the housing costs in her temporary accommodation. After contacting Shelter, Angela got the support she needed from a housing adviser — and was able to stay in the property.

Angela said: “We were in our home for over 12 years, and it was perfect. The kids loved it, their school and my work was down the road, everything just worked. Then the landlord sold up and we were evicted. I couldn’t get a viewing anywhere — the private rents were impossible.

“That’s when we ended up in temporary accommodation. It was freezing; no boiler, no heating, no hot water — we were washing with kettle water out of a bowl. It felt inhumane. I’m working full-time but still can’t cover the rent. I’ve had to borrow money just to feed my kids. We should be out living life, but we can’t. When I got an email saying we were being evicted again, I was at breaking point. I didn’t know how I could keep going. When I spoke to Shelter, they were the first people who really listened. They helped me stay in this property — just knowing someone was there, took some of the pressure off.”

Shelter’s emergency helpline manager, Nadeem Khan said: “It’s utterly disgraceful that across the country, more and more families are being pushed to the brink of homelessness. Soaring rents, low incomes, and a chronic shortage of social homes mean that even parents who work tirelessly to put food on the table are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

“Every day, we hear from people living with the constant fear that they could lose their home the moment an eviction notice drops through their letterbox. Many are skipping meals just to cover rent, cutting back on essentials, and making impossible choices simply to stay afloat.

“Together with HSBC UK, we’re working with families up and down the country to help build financial resilience and stop homelessness before it happens. Our House shines a light on the harsh reality that thousands face — and we’re calling on the public to stand with us in the fight to end homelessness for good.”

HSBC UK’s Head of Societal Purpose & Sustainability, Natalie Gregoire-Skeete, said: “With over 124,000 families in England at risk of homelessness, the ‘Our House’ campaign paints the stark reality faced by far too many families in the UK. By combining housing expertise, community insight, and practical financial support, our partnership with Shelter is helping people and families build financial resilience – support that can make a real difference when the unexpected happens.”

To find out more or donate to Shelter, visit shelter.org.uk/donate.

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