Homelessness Helpline Is Stretched To the Limit

Benefit cuts and rising pressures on household budgets have driven a surge in the number of people on the brink of homelessness, according to the charity Shelter, which warns it can no longer keep up with demand for its helpline. The longest squeeze on incomes for decades has meant more people are struggling to stay on top of their housing costs, Shelter says. The number of callers to its helpline battling rent arrears has more than doubled since 2011 with a sharp rise in people calling in about mortgage arrears. The total number of calls has risen by 20% over that period. Shelter says almost a third of calls go unanswered.  Read more on the Guardian website.