As the cost of living continues to soar, a staggering 53% of working individuals in England are finding themselves crippled with anxiety over their ability to pay for housing. New research from Shelter reveals the devastating mental health toll of the ongoing housing crisis, with many people struggling to get by on reduced diets and forced to sell off personal treasures just to keep a roof over their heads.
One in three working individuals (32%) have resorted to cutting back on essentials like food and groceries to meet housing payments, while 16% have had to sell possessions to cover the costs. Nadeem Khan, Shelter’s emergency helpline manager, describes the scenes his frontline teams witness every day: people of all ages struggling with impossible choices between paying rent or putting food on the table.
Shelter provides critical support for those at risk, offering expert advice on managing arrears, creating affordable household budgets, negotiating with landlords, accessing benefits, and preventing evictions. The charity is now set to receive a vital boost from its partnership with HSBC UK, which has been extended by two years.
Natalie Gregoire-Skeete, Head of Sustainability and Societal Purpose at HSBC UK, says the bank recognises that poor financial resilience is often linked to housing insecurity. The renewed partnership will enable Shelter to continue its vital community outreach and emergency services, helping those most at risk achieve greater stability.
Shelter urges individuals facing housing difficulties to seek help before reaching a crisis point, highlighting that early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing homelessness and promoting long-term stability.