Homelessness in Blackpool has reached “alarming” levels, prompting government funding of £2.86 million and local charity efforts for prevention and recovery.

In the last year, levels of homelessness were more than double the national average at 18% per 100,000 households, significantly surpassing the national average of 7%.

Source: Housing and Homeless Annual Report 

The data shows that Blackpool is dealing with significantly more pressure than national averages.

As the crisis deepens, local residents and organisations are grappling with both the growing number of homeless individuals in the town and the effectiveness of government intentions. 

The government has allocated £2.86 million in funding to Blackpool for the financial year, in hopes to tackle areas of need, The plans call for prevention, recovery and treatment service for those struggling. 

Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Statutory homelessness in England 

The stats show Blackpool is one of the worst areas in Lancashire for homelessness. 

One homeless man, who wished to be named anonymous said: “When I was on the streets, I had to beg every day and there were days I didn’t eat, I couldn’t find a safe place to sleep, and it almost drove me to alcoholism.” 

“In my time in Blackpool, I’ve seen multiple hotels and retirement homes closed down. 

“The funding could be used to bring them to standard and use them to assist the homeless situation.” 

Whilst government elements are crucial, local Blackpool charities such as Streetlife and Paths 2 Progress have worked closely with these vulnerable people in hopes to break the cycle. 

Paths 2 Progress is a local Blackpool charity that helps provide clothing and food too those in need on the streets. 

Rob Bonser – Lead at Paths 2 Progress said: “The main thing you’ve got to gain is trust. 

“They’ve got nothing and they don’t want to lose what they haven’t got, so trust is a big issue.”

Streetlife is a charity supporting young homeless people in Blackpool by offering shelter and support. 

They work closely with the Government and locals. They see around 300 different young people each year to support.

Jane Hugo – Lead at Streetlife said: “We run an emergency night shelter and a day centre for vulnerable and homeless young people, we provide emotional and practical support.  

“We help young people develop their confidence and skills so that they can move on positively.”

These new schemes are being put in place to tackle the growing crisis in Blackpool. 

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb hopes the allocation of funding will focus on the root causes of the problem he said: “Families in our town are struggling, and we’ve seen the tragic reality of children living in temporary accommodation, unable to enjoy a stable, secure home.”

Chris Webb (left) with Minister for Homelessness – Ali Rushanara (right). Credit: Chris Webb

“The rate of homelessness in our town is alarming. Since I was elected, it highlights the urgent need for real action, which is why I have been fully committed to addressing this crisis and implementing solutions that will reduce homelessness in our community.

“Tackling homelessness requires a deep understanding of real-time situations, and homelessness is not just an issue of numbers – it’s about people.”

Of the £2.86 million, the breakdown includes:

• £1.54 million for the Homelessness Prevention Grant, which will directly support services that prevent homelessness and provide relief for families and individuals at risk.
• £443,000 for Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery, aimed at supporting people who are currently rough sleeping or at risk of returning to the streets.
• £877,466 for Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, which will offer much-needed specialist treatment and recovery support for rough sleepers dealing with substance misuse