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At the age of 30, Jodie and her young daughter faced the harsh reality of having to leave their hometown with only what they could carry—two black bin bags filled mostly with her daughter’s clothes and toys. Arriving in Margate, Kent, with no home to go to, Jodie had to navigate the challenges of starting over with a seven-year-old in tow. Although the seaside town was familiar from past holidays, moving there meant leaving behind friends and family, adding a layer of emotional difficulty to their situation.
Jodie explained the reasoning behind her choice: “I wanted to go somewhere that wasn’t very alien for my daughter.” Even though the experience was daunting, she took on the role of protector, determined to create a better life for her child. After a short stint in council emergency accommodation, their living situation remained precarious, as they spent a year relying on the generosity of acquaintances, often sleeping on sofas and floors.
Cherisse Dealtry, CEO of the York Road Project in Surrey, highlighted that hidden homelessness—such as sleeping in cars or staying with friends—is a long-standing but worsening issue. She observed that people tend to offer temporary shelter to loved ones to prevent them from sleeping rough. The increase in this form of homelessness, Dealtry noted, is driven by rising difficulties in finding affordable housing and employment that pays enough to cover living expenses. Additionally, a surge in evictions occurred ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, contributing to this growing problem.
Dealtry emphasized the profound impact of homelessness on individuals, even those who are sofa surfing. She described the toll it takes on mental health, job stability, personal relationships, and access to vital services. Speaking about the clients who seek support from the York Road Project, she noted, “We see people coming through our door and they’re absolutely broken.” The charity calls for greater government investment in social housing and preventative support measures, stressing that the true scale of hidden homelessness is difficult to measure because many affected people keep their struggles out of sight. According to Dealtry, the stigma surrounding homelessness often prevents individuals from asking for help, and she strongly rejected the misconception that homelessness is ever the fault of the person experiencing it
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