Homeless charity open to sleeping pods in Jersey

The largest provider of accommodation and support services for the homeless community in Jersey has said it would be open to considering the introduction of sleeping pods to the island.

The Shelter Trust said that while sleeping pods provide basic privacy and security, they are "not a substitute for stable, long-term accommodation".

Last month Caritas, a charity in Guernsey, announced two emergency sleeping pods are due to be installed there.

Mike Powell, chair of trustees for the Shelter Trust, questioned whether a similar approach would be "appropriate" for Jersey.

He said: "The introduction of sleeping pods in Guernsey highlights the very real pressures on people who have nowhere safe to sleep.

"Whether a similar approach would be appropriate in Jersey would depend on clear evidence of need, strong safeguarding arrangements, and how pods would fit into a wider homelessness strategy.

"Any emergency provision on the island must sit alongside proper support services, routes into settled housing, and long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness."

The trust said it would be open to discussing the issue further with partners, but the priority must remain ensuring everyone has access to "safe, secure and sustainable housing".

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