Latest homelessness report highlights “lack of provisions for prison leavers”

A RISE in referrals from HMP La Moye to homeless charities such as the Sanctuary Trust suggests there is a “lack of provisions for prison leavers”, according to the government’s latest report on homelessness in the Island.

The report found that there is an ongoing trend of men under 30 requiring support from the Sanctuary Trust, while support was provided to 287 homeless people by various organisations during the first quarter of 2026 – an increase from 267 from the final quarter of last year.

The figures were released as part of the Homelessness in Jersey Quarterly Report covering the first three months of this year.

It is produced using information from a number of organisations providing support to vulnerable Islanders, including Freeda – formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge – as well as the Housing Advice Service, Shelter Trust, Sanctuary Trust and the Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship.

Of the 287 individuals, almost 70% were men, with alcohol and drugs use cited as the leading reason for homelessness for men at 18%.

Issues around domestic abuse were given as the leading reasons for homelessness for women at 34%.

Part of the report, which provided an update from the Sanctuary Trust, stated that: “More referrals and admissions for men under 30 is an ongoing trend, as is an increase of referrals from HMP La Moye, indicating a lack of provisions for prison leavers.”

Speaking to the JEP, Housing Minister Malcolm Ferey noted that being homeless could place prison leavers at a higher risk of reoffending.

He said: “It is really important that we get provision right for all the community, and of course, prisoners are very much part of that thinking.”

Asked if this would involve discussions with the Home Affairs Minister, Deputy Ferey added: “It is something that we have noticed and it is something that we are looking at improving that provision.

“A lot of that is about outreach and a lot of it is about government services that go up to His Majesty’s prison on a regular basis and making sure that those relationships are built whilst prisoners are still incarcerated, so that when they come out they have a first point of contact to be able to move on with their lives.”