Record Number Seek Help from Shelter

Calls to an advice helpline for Londoners facing homelessness have surged to an all-time high, raising fears about its ability to cope with the growing need. Advisers at the housing charity Shelter are now handling nearly 1,000 calls a month  — almost treble the level of just three years ago — from people facing eviction or repossession. The number of families declared homeless in London is on the rise, with the total up 13 per cent to 4,410 in the three months to September 2013, according to the latest official figures. The capital accounts for around a third of all homelessness in England. There were also 42,260 London families in temporary accommodation — up 11 per cent.  Almost 2,700 families were housed in B&Bs. Read more on the Evening Standard website.