If you’ve felt like your wallet has been working overtime just to keep a roof over your head, you’re not alone. Since COVID, rental prices have skyrocketed by over 51% in the past four to five years. What used to be manageable for dual-income households is now a stretch, even for those who thought they’d always be financially comfortable. The cost of living just keeps climbing, and for too many, it’s pushing them into impossible situations.
We recently shared our thoughts on this crisis, and the reality is heartbreaking. The sharp increase in rental costs isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a life-altering struggle that’s forcing families, individuals, and especially vulnerable youth into homelessness.
Liv (charity Director and Community Engagement) shared a personal story that highlights just how dire the situation has become. Right now, she has a young person staying in her home because there was simply nowhere else for them to go. No housing, no emergency accommodation, just the streets or a car. And that’s not a unique case. Every day, young people are finding themselves without a safe place to stay, often due to situations at home that leave them with no choice but to leave.
“It’s sad. There’s just not enough support for the youth, for families. It’s heartbreaking.”
And she’s right. It shouldn’t be this way. A home isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s safety, stability, and a chance to build a future. When housing becomes unattainable, it’s not just a financial crisis, it’s a social crisis.
That’s why the work of organisations like The White Shadow Foundation is so critical. Through our grants and partnerships, we’re stepping in where the system falls short, helping families and young people find the support they need. But this isn’t something we can do alone.
We need better policies. More affordable housing. Stronger support networks. And most importantly, we need to acknowledge that homelessness isn’t just something that happens to other people. It’s happening to our neighbours, our coworkers, and even our friends.
If you want to be part of the solution, consider supporting charities like The White Shadow Foundation. Whether it’s donating, advocating for change, or just being aware of what’s happening in your own community, every effort makes a difference. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a place to call home.
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