Our strategy
We strive for change — with individuals, in communities, across society.
A home is a fundamental human need and a basic moral right, as vital as education or healthcare.
But in Britain today, that right is being denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction.
Our strategy sets out to be a turning point, an ambitious and fearless response to what has become a national emergency. Everything we do from now on will be to defend the right to a safe home.
The national emergency
The right to a safe home isn’t just the right to a roof over your head. It’s the right to somewhere safe, secure and affordable.
It is an indictment of years of failure that across England and Scotland, as many as six million households are either denied this right, or are threatened with losing it. These six million households are the people Shelter exists to serve.
6 million households
are denied the right to a safe home, or are threatened with losing it.
4,750 people
sleep on the streets on any given night.
90,000 households
are stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation, such as homeless hostels. This a rise of 38% in the last five years.
Our goals
1. Rights for renters and an end to discrimination
In the last two decades, the number of households renting privately has doubled.
Since 2011, rents have risen by 16%, while wages have gone up just 10% – which means private renters have the highest average weekly housing costs, while having to put up with poor quality housing.
At Shelter, our job is to stand up for private renters. We will campaign for improvements in conditions and consumer protection, and we’ll press the government to establish a genuine right to stay for renters who want enough security to be able to put down roots. And we’ll use the law to fight discrimination against those on benefits.
by 2022
renters have greater security and do not face discrimination
by 2029
people have housing rights and understand them
2. Building more social housing
Levels of public housebuilding have plummeted dramatically, which has led to a sharp increase in families stuck in expensive, poor quality, insecure privately rented homes. Right now, 1.2 million people are on the waiting list for social housing, yet just 5,000 new social homes were built last year.
The country needs urgent, long—term, large scale action to address this issue. Within 10 years, we want everyone who needs social housing to get it.
We will work with all those who want to see change – from big institutions with social purpose through to individuals pressing for new social homes in their community.
by 2022
all political parties promise to build enough social housing
by 2029
all those in greatest need have access to social housing
3. Supporting the people who are struggling
We are the leading source of housing advice in the country and we want to provide a service which gives the best advice to all who need it. But because of the increasing need, too often we cannot meet demand. Last year, we could answer only one in every three calls to our helpline.
For that reason, we will enhance our digital advice to cater to everyone, while ensuring anyone needing emergency help can always speak to one of our helpline advisers. And we’ll develop services in our local hubs in partnership with the community, developing a local vision for each.
by 2022
people who struggle to manage their housing have support
by 2029
people get support to assert their rights and are not stigmatised or marginalised
A movement for change
The national emergency cannot be stopped by anything less than a national movement.
We will join forces with individuals and organisations, empowering and amplifying the voice of anyone who wants to work alongside us. And we’ll seek to recruit 500,000 supporters to defend the right to a safe home.
Join us
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved — no matter who you are, where you live, or how much time you have to spare.
Find out more about our campaigning, volunteering and fundraising opportunities, and the different ways you can partner with us.