Homelessness is at a record level in Wales, with the number using temporary accommodation rising by 18% to 6,447 in 2023/24. The housing crisis is leaving thousands of individuals and families without a permanent home, impacting mental health and leaving many feeling their lives are on hold. Temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs, has become a bottleneck, with increasing demand and limited options to move people into permanent housing.

Wales now has the highest homelessness levels since 2015, with 13,539 households recorded as homeless in the past year, an 8% increase. Newport, the fastest-growing city in the country, has seen its homelessness rate rise by over 50%, with 1,359 households affected. The city council spent £6.5m on temporary housing in September 2024, up £1.4m from the previous year. Across the nation, one in every 215 households and six in every 1,000 children are now living in temporary accommodation, reflecting the severity of the crisis.

Housing experts warn that the shortage of affordable private rentals and limited availability of housing association stock are exacerbating the problem. Rising costs and high demand mean councils are struggling to provide homes for those in need. Staff at housing services report frustration and desperation among people seeking help, particularly families facing severe challenges.

The Welsh government has committed to tackling homelessness, allocating £1.4bn since 2021 and nearly £220m for prevention and housing support this year. However, experts stress that more action is needed to increase the supply of affordable homes and address the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. They urge policymakers to expand social housing targets and prioritise long-term solutions for those affected.