Swoffers is proud to continue to support At Home in Guernsey, a charity dedicated to addressing homelessness on the island, with a donation of £10,500 and the sharing of our professional expertise. This contribution will directly fund At Home’s vital support work and the development of their Supported Lodgings programme, offering safe and stable housing to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Understanding homelessness
Homelessness looks very different from the images we often see in the media. While sleeping rough on the streets may come to mind, that represents only 10% of people in the UK experiencing homelessness. In Guernsey, the crisis is largely hidden. Most homelessness involves people sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation or hotels, or being squeezed into crowded homes with friends and family.
The latest estimates suggest that over 1,000 people in Guernsey (about 1 in 60 of the population) experience some form of homelessness. The housing crisis, driven by high rents and limited social housing, continues to push more residents into unstable situations.
Charlie Cox, CEO of At Home in Guernsey, has long been a prominent figure in the island’s charitable sector. Her journey began with volunteering for the Samaritans, eventually leading her to direct At Home. Charlie’s experience volunteering in London, where she helped people access emergency shelter, highlighted the complexity of homelessness and shaped her vision for At Home.
“There’s a real stereotype that homelessness happens to people who’ve made poor choices,” says Charlie. “The reality is that it can happen to anyone. Relationships break down, jobs are lost, or rents become unaffordable. We’re talking about people who live in our community, and the thought of anyone without a safe place to call home is heartbreaking.”
A community-powered approach
To combat this, At Home has launched a Supported Lodgings programme. This initiative pairs homeowners who have spare rooms with individuals in need of accommodation. Resident landlords receive rent from lodgers, while each placement is professionally managed to ensure safeguarding and support for both parties. This model not only addresses housing shortages but also reduces social isolation.
At Home is also close to securing a property for full renovation, which would provide 15 beds at an affordable rate as safe temporary accommodation before people transition into permanent housing.
At Home’s approach is deeply personalised. Their clients range from 20 to over 80 years old, representing all backgrounds. Support workers provide practical aid, helping clients access income support or secure emergency shelter, but the emotional support is equally vital. Whether it’s acting as a listening ear or attending intimidating meetings with a client, the team ensures people feel heard and valued as members of the community.
Working together
At Home receives no government funding, they rely entirely on the Guernsey community. Swoffers’ involvement goes beyond the £10,500 donation, we are providing guidance on navigating the rental market, attending viewings, and helping clients present themselves effectively to landlords.
“At Swoffers, we believe in the importance of a strong, inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home,” says Andre Austin, Swoffers Director. “Our team is passionate about property, and we are pleased to share our professional expertise to support At Home in Guernsey. By working together, we can help provide the stability and security that every islander deserves.”
“Having a respected brand like Swoffers support our work has been amazing,” says Charlie.
At Home in Guernsey’s vision is simple yet ambitious: to end homelessness on the island. Through practical support, innovative housing solutions, and strategic advocacy, the charity is working to ensure that no one has to face the fear of losing their home.
For more information and to support At Home, visit: athome.gg
