Government figures released last week show a sharp increase in the number of homeless families over the past year. In 2012, 34,080 households with children were accepted as homele ss, an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year. At the end of 2012, 76,790 children were living in temporary accommodation, an annual increase of 11 per cent. Currently every fifteen minutes another family find themselves homeless. The figures also show an increase in the number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation, up 29 per cent since the same time last year. Official guidance to local authorities says bed and breakfast temporary accommodation should be avoided ‘wherever possible’. Lack of privacy, inadequate provision for cooking and washing means it is ‘not suitable’ for families with children or for pregnant women ‘unless there is no alternative accommodation available and then only for a maximum of six weeks.’
Pray: for all those who are facing the difficulties of homelessness that suitable accommodation will be found and they will come to realise that God will be their provider. (Ps.104:1-3)