Number of young people facing homelessness in Calderdale revealed
Hundreds of young people in Calderdale have approached the council for help due to homelessness over the last three years.
Figures revealed to the Courier in a Freedom of Information request show that 488 people aged 16 to 24 asked Calderdale Council for help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness last year.
That figure rose from 458 in 2024 and 429 in 2023.
Calderdale Council say they helped 97 young people find temporary or permanent accommodation last year, down from 152 in 2024 but up from 90 in 2023.
Jo Core, CEO of Nest Helping the Homeless, who provide practical support to people in Calderdale who are experiencing homelessness, said: "We have two core activities at Nest Helping the Homeless.
"We provide rucksacks for people sleeping rough, around 150 per year, containing items such as sleeping bags, sleeping mats, bivvy bags, warm clothing, hygiene products and flasks.
"These are distributed through partner organisations such as Calderdale Council, Street Reach, P3, Happy Days, Horton Housing, Focus4Hope, Staying Well and The Light Group, helping individuals stay safe while also supporting engagement with wider services.
"The partners who distribute the rucksacks tell us that being able to provide a rucksack helps to build trust, which leads to conversations about getting the individuals the support that they need.
"We also provide home starter packs for individuals and families moving into accommodation after homelessness or crisis, around 200 to 250 per year.
"Many people move into completely empty properties, and our packs provide essential household items such as kettles, toasters, pans, cutlery, crockery, mugs, bedding, duvets, pillows and towels.
"This enables people to establish safe, functional homes from day one, supporting stability and reducing the risk of returning to homelessness.
"These packs are requested by organisations, such as Calderdale Council, P3 and Horton Housing, once they have found accommodation for people.
"Alongside these established services, we are in the process of launching our Community Curtains Project.
"This project will see volunteers coming together to make curtains for people who are moving into empty homes.
"The volunteers will be a combination of seamstresses and people wanting to learn how to sew, and reduce isolation.
"The curtains will not only provide warmth and privacy, but also prevent heat escaping through bare windows, thereby reducing heating costs."
Halifax MP Kate Dearden said: "Every young person deserves a safe and secure home.
"These figures show more young people in Calderdale are coming forward for help each year, and behind every number is someone facing real uncertainty about their future.
"There is real work happening through the Council, alongside Government funding helping to strengthen support locally, and that is making a difference.
"But we know there is more to do, and the focus now must be on making sure more young people can find the stability and opportunity they deserve."
Calderdale Council’s Director of Regeneration and Strategy, Shelagh O’Neill, said: “There can be many reasons why people sleep rough or become homeless. Everyone has their own story and when young people find themselves at risk of homelessness, the circumstances can often be complex.
“For young people in this situation, we understand that it can be hard to know where to turn, but the Council is committed to ensuring that they can receive the support they need.
“We do all we can to prevent situations from escalating and aim to understand and respond to each young person’s unique circumstance in order to give them the best possible opportunities.
“If a 16 or 17 year old is homeless or might become homeless, the Council must help them. Our services work together to make sure they get the right housing and support. Every young person is offered an independent advocate to explain their choices and help them decide what’s best for them. We also do everything we can to support under 25s, with a commissioned housing support service with Horton Housing.
“Teams across the Council and other organisations work extremely hard to help those affected, and we have strengthened our work on homeless prevention. We are committed to doing everything we can to end rough sleeping and homelessness, and to give everyone the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”