'Every islander deserves a safe and secure home'

Plans are in place to tackle homelessness across the island, according to a progress report.

Jersey's housing minister, Deputy Sam Mezec, has published the "progress on addressing homelessness" report setting out the government's priorities to tackle the issue.

Delivering more homes remains a "key priority" the report said, adding more than 1,000 homes had been built with more under construction.

Mezec said: "Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a joined-up approach across government and the community. Every islander deserves a safe and secure home."

The plan follows the government's latest Homelessness in Jersey report which found 73% of homeless islanders were men, 25% were women and 2% were other gender identity.

The report said Andium Homes had delivered more than 1,400 new homes since its establishment in 2014, with a further 583 homes for social rent or purchase either under construction or about to start in January 2026.

Mezec added: "We are making real progress – improving our understanding of homelessness, expanding accommodation and support options, and improving co-ordination through the work of the Homelessness Cluster."

The report also outlines work undertaken to lay strong foundations for advancing homelessness legislation, including enhancing data collections, which it said was a long-term goal of the Jersey Homelessness Strategy.

Mezec said: "Legislation offers clear benefits, and it remains an important goal for government. Our focus now is on ensuring that services are robust, responsive and well co-ordinated so that legislation can be effective and deliver a lasting impact."

Alcohol and drug use was the main recorded reason for homelessness among men at 17% of cases, a recent report found. At risk of, has experienced, or is escaping domestic abuse was the main recorded reason for homelessness among women at 29% of cases.

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