Longstanding local charity Caritas is urgently seeking community support to find and secure land for a modular housing development designed to combat homelessness on the island.
The States of Guernsey Indicators of Poverty report (2023) highlights the stark reality of homelessness, revealing that 1.8% of the population—over 1,000 people—lack secure housing. However, the true extent of the crisis may be even greater, as many individuals are ‘sofa surfing’ or living in makeshift shelters such as bunkers.
In response to this urgent need, Caritas is proposing a solution to foster community integration for those experiencing housing insecurity. The charity aims to establish a modular housing community, consisting of up to 24 homes built in two phases, providing temporary accommodation for up to two years.
The proposed community requires a 1000m2 site on which the modular homes could be built. Caritas is actively appealing for both land and donations to help reach the required £1 million funding goal and make the community a reality.
Caritas Chairman, Graham Merfield, said: “Homelessness is often a hidden issue in Guernsey, but it is a reality for far too many. The rising cost of living and stagnant wages have only exacerbated the problem, making secure housing unattainable for many.
“Our modular housing project is more than just a shelter; it’s about giving people a safe place to call home, a community to belong to, and a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. We are reaching out to people of Guernsey to help us raise £1 million for the first phase of our project and to identify a suitable site for the development. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of those most in need.”
Pictured: Comparable modular housing currently being used by Emmaus in the UK
