A recent opinion expressed by Jon Fitzmaurice, a former trustee of Shelter, has drawn attention to the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the evolving roles of homelessness charities. Fitzmaurice criticises Shelter for not directly providing housing to homeless individuals, suggesting that the charity, which historically supported frontline housing organisations, should reconsider its strategy and follow the example set by Crisis, a homelessness charity now stepping into the role of landlord to address the dire housing shortage.
Crisis made headlines recently by announcing it would become a landlord for the first time as a direct response to what it describes as a "catastrophic" housing crisis in the UK. This move aims to circumvent the growing challenges in securing accommodation through traditional routes such as housing associations and local authorities. According to Crisis, providing direct accommodation is essential to effectively help people experiencing homelessness and fill gaps left by the existing system.
Shelter, by contrast, currently operates with over 900 staff and an annual income of around £80 million, focusing on offering housing advice, conducting research, and campaigning rather than managing housing stocks. The charity provides vital support via helplines and local services, such as its free helpline operating weekdays to assist with housing troubles, risk of abuse, or fear of eviction. Shelter’s research, including a collaboration with HSBC UK, has highlighted the deepening fears many people have about housing affordability and security, emphasising the increased mental health strain caused by housing pressures. Research released by Shelter indicates that one in five adults in England experience anxiety, depression, or panic attacks due to housing-related stress, underscoring the critical social and psychological dimensions of the crisis.
Fitzmaurice's call to action argues that given Shelter's significant resources and historic engagement with housing projects, the charity should consider a more hands-on approach by directly funding or managing accommodation for homeless people again. He points out that while many assume Shelter provides housing, it has not done so since the 1980s, which marks a departure from its roots when it supported frontline housing organisations and projects.
While Shelter continues its advocacy and advisory role, the suggestion that it should become a direct housing provider has sparked debate. Critics warn that such a shift would require considerable operational changes and financial commitment, and it is unclear how Shelter’s strategic priorities might evolve in response to these challenges. Nonetheless, the conversation reflects the increasing urgency and complexity of tackling homelessness in the UK, where existing social housing shortages and systemic barriers leave many without stable accommodation.
In the meantime, Shelter remains focused on providing comprehensive housing advice, campaigning for policy changes, and supporting people through its community and helpline services. The decisions made by Crisis to become a landlord may well influence ongoing discussions about the best ways for charities to respond to an escalating housing crisis, potentially prompting Shelter and others to rethink their roles.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (The Guardian) - Paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 7
- [2] (The Guardian opinion) - Paragraph 1
- [3] (The Guardian) - Paragraphs 2, 6, 7
- [4] (Shelter England) - Paragraph 5
- [5] (Shelter England) - Paragraph 5
- [6] (Shelter England) - Paragraph 5
- [7] (Shelter England) - Paragraph 5
Source: Noah Wire Services