More than 2,500 people have been supported across the South West and Wales as leading homelessness charity, ALABARÉ, calls for greater action to break the cycle of homelessness.
Demand for ALABARÉ’s services increased by 21% during 2025/26 as growing numbers of people turned to the charity for help with homelessness, mental health challenges, social isolation and housing insecurity.
The charity supported 2,533 people during the year, up from 2,093 the previous year, while delivering more than 185,000 hours of contracted support across its homelessness, veterans, young people’s, mental health and learning disability services.
Support has been provided through a network of 80 homes across the South West of England and Wales.
The Growing UK Homelessness Crisis
The increase reflects a growing national crisis. In England alone, more than 382,000 people are experiencing homelessness, while over 10,800 people in Wales are living in temporary accommodation.
Across the South West region, the UK Government reported that rough sleeping increased by 11%.
Despite rising demand and operating with fewer bed spaces than the previous year, ALABARÉ increased the number of people it has been able to support through improved operational effectiveness, stronger partnership working and a renewed focus on helping people move into independent living.
People arrive at ALABARÉ for many reasons, including family breakdown, poor mental health, domestic abuse, unemployment, addiction, trauma, rising living costs and the shortage of affordable housing.
The charity believes homelessness is not inevitable, but often the result of systems that fail to address root causes before people reach crisis point.
ALABARÉ’s innovative Homes, Hearts and Minds approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness
- Homes provide safety, stability and a foundation for recovery.
- Hearts restore confidence, belonging and hope through relationships and community.
- Minds empower people through wellbeing support, employability, education and personal development.
Andrew Lord MBE, Chief Executive Officer of ALABARÉ, said:
“The foundation of this report is the statistics, but ultimately it’s a platform for telling several inspiring stories of people who have faced significant challenges and found the strength to move forward. We are seeing more people arrive at our doors because of rising housing costs, poor mental health, relationship breakdowns and increasing financial pressures.
“The fact that demand for our services has increased by 21% demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing our communities. It also reflects the incredible dedication of our colleagues, volunteers, commissioners, partners and supporters who help people rebuild their lives every day.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. By providing homes, restoring hearts and empowering minds, our approach moves beyond simply providing shelter, but true support that is tailored to individuals.”
Faster routes to independence
One of the strongest indicators of ALABARÉ’s impact is the number of people successfully moving on to independent accommodation.
During 2025/26, 58% of clients supported through homelessness accommodation services moved into stable, independent housing, an increase from 54% the previous year.
ALABARÉ’s average length of stay is just one year and two months, meaning people are often able to move towards independence more quickly than waiting times typically associated with social housing pathways.
The charity also reported:
- 67% of clients improved across at least three key outcome areas.
- 45% reported improved mental health outcomes.
- 49% improved their financial management skills.
- 62% reduced their involvement with the criminal justice system. Creating lasting social value
ALABARÉ’s impact extends beyond the individuals it supports
The charity estimates its work generated £12.2 million in social value during 2025/26 through reducing homelessness, improving mental health and increasing life satisfaction.
This includes:
- £6.95 million associated with reducing homelessness.
- £1.22 million linked to improved mental health outcomes.
- £1.48 million connected to improved life satisfaction and wellbeing.
Innovative programmes such as the Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme, Boots on the Ground, Heritage That Heals, Young People’s Wellbeing, Mental Health Crisis Services and the Prison Art Project continue to demonstrate how tailored, person-centred support can transform lives.
Through the Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme alone, five veterans graduated during the year, with 100% moving into a home they helped build and 80% securing employment.
Meanwhile, 69% of participants in the charity’s Mission to Malta wellbeing programme reported improved mental wellbeing.
Responding to a growing crisis
ALABARÉ has welcomed Government commitments to tackle rough sleeping, increase the supply of affordable homes and create a more preventative approach to public services.
However, the charity believes lasting change will require closer collaboration with frontline organisations that understand the realities facing people experiencing homelessness every day.
As demand continues to rise, ALABARÉ is calling on supporters, partners, commissioners and communities to help ensure more people can access the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness.
Through its updated Room with a View campaign, supporters can give £21 a month to help provide safe accommodation and life-changing support to people facing homelessness.
Additional support can also be provided through ALABARÉ’s retail shops, Prison Art Project online store, fundraising events and legacy giving.
The full ALABARÉ Impact Report 2025/26 can be viewed at https://alabare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Alabare-Impact-Report-2026-FINAL.pdf
