In a landmark shift of strategy, the national homelessness charity Crisis has announced it will become a landlord for the first time in its history. The organisation states this drastic move is a direct response to what it describes as a 'catastrophic scenario' unfolding within the UK's housing sector.
A New Direction for a Leading Charity
The decision, reported on 10th November, marks a significant departure from Crisis's traditional model. Faced with the extreme difficulty homeless people face in securing accommodation through conventional routes like housing associations or local authorities, the charity has determined that directly providing homes is now the most effective way to deliver help.
This intervention comes at a critical time, as the chronic shortage of affordable and social housing across the country continues to worsen, pushing more individuals and families into precarious living situations.
Call for Shelter to 'Revisit its Roots'
The charity's new direction has prompted a public call for another major housing organisation, Shelter, to reconsider its approach. In a letter to the Guardian, Jon Fitzmaurice, a former Shelter trustee, expressed his strong interest in Crisis's decision.
He highlighted a common public misconception that Shelter already directly houses homeless people. While the charity did financially support frontline housing projects in the 1960s and 70s, Fitzmaurice noted it pulled back from this role in the 1980s.
Shelter now focuses its considerable resources—including more than 900 staff and an annual income of approximately £80 million—on providing housing advice, research, and campaigning work.
Given the severe dearth of social housing that prompted Crisis's new policy, Fitzmaurice argues that Shelter should review how it deploys its funds and once again engage in directly funding housing for those without homes.
Implications for the Future of Homelessness Support
The move by Crisis signals a potential paradigm shift in how charities address the UK's deepening housing and homelessness emergency. When established support systems are failing, direct action becomes necessary.
This development puts a spotlight on the allocation of resources within the charitable sector and raises a pivotal question: should major organisations with significant financial backing take a more hands-on role in creating housing solutions, rather than focusing solely on advisory and advocacy roles?
The situation remains critical, and the effectiveness of Crisis's new initiative will be closely watched by policymakers, other charities, and communities across the United Kingdom.
