At KiP Telford, the message coming through our phones is clear — the need for homelessness support has never been greater.
Between 2021 and 2023, our team received over 2,800 calls from people in our community reaching out for help. Each call represents a life disrupted by the insecurity and trauma of homelessness.
And behind every statistic, there is a story of hardship, resilience, and hope.
2023: A Year That Highlighted the Crisis
In 2023 alone, more than 1,500 calls for support were made to KiP.
That’s an average of over 400 people calling every single month — roughly one call every two hours, day and night.
Our busiest period came in March 2023, when over 500 individuals reached out in a single month.
It was a stark reminder that behind seasonal trends and monthly figures, homelessness remains a constant and growing crisis.
Even during quieter months, the need never truly fades. In August 2023, we saw a dip in the number of calls — yet dozens of people still reached out, reflecting the persistent and year-round nature of housing insecurity.
Post-Pandemic Pressures: A Sharp Rise in Registrations
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to deeply affect people’s ability to maintain safe, stable housing.
In 2022, registrations for homelessness support peaked, with over 700 individuals coming to KiP for help.
This sharp increase shows the long shadow left by pandemic-related job losses, health crises, and rising living costs — and demonstrates how vulnerable many still are, even as wider society moves on.
Since 2021, calls for support have remained consistently high, showing that homelessness in Telford is not a short-term emergency, but an ongoing challenge that requires long-term commitment and action.
A Community in Need: The Bigger Picture
Homelessness is often hidden. It’s not just about rough sleeping.
Many of the people who contact us are sofa-surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, or facing eviction. They are families, young people, veterans, and older individuals — all united by a desperate need for a stable place to live.
Between 2021 and 2023:
- Calls for homelessness support rose by 25%.
- Over 2,800 calls were handled by our team.
- Registrations spiked as people sought safety after the pandemic.
At KiP Telford, we are proud to be a place where people find help, hope, and a path forward. But the scale of the need underlines the importance of a whole-community response.
How KiP Telford Responds
When someone contacts KiP, they are never just a number.
We offer:
- Emergency support and guidance
- Help finding temporary and permanent accommodation
- Access to essential supplies like food, hygiene products, and clothing
- Signposting to mental health and wellbeing services
- Support for developing independent living skills
Our team works tirelessly to provide not just immediate relief, but a foundation for long-term change.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to live in safety and dignity.
How You Can Help
The rising number of calls shows that demand for our services is higher than ever.
With your support, we can ensure that no call goes unanswered — and that every person who reaches out receives the help they need.
If you are in need of support, or want to help by making a donation, visit kiptelford.co.uk.
Every contribution — whether time, money, or awareness — helps us continue our mission.
Together, we can be the safety net for those who need it most.
Together, we can build a community where everyone has a place to call home.
Help Us Spread the Word
Please consider sharing this article with friends, family, or colleagues.
Homelessness can affect anyone. By raising awareness, we bring more compassion, understanding, and action to those who need it.