Zoopla stands with Crisis

Crisis works directly with thousands of people every year, providing vital support so they can rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. 

The charity offers one-to-one support, advice and courses for people experiencing homelessness in 11 areas across England, Scotland and Wales.

Crisis also carries out pioneering research into the causes and consequences of homelessness – and campaigns for the changes needed to end it for everyone.

People lose their homes for a variety of reasons. And some groups are more at risk than others.

Rising pressure from high rents and low pay, or a sudden life event, can quickly push people to the brink of homelessness. And at least 227,000 households are currently experiencing the worst forms of homelessness in Britain. 

But there is hope. The problem is fixable.

Crisis has published a plan showing the solutions that can end homelessness in Britain – including how long they will take and how much they will cost. 

We are uniquely positioned to help Crisis in their mission to end homelessness.

We’re using our extensive data insights and UK-wide reach to drive greater public understanding of the issues involved.

We’re also working to support landlords, agents, lenders and housebuilders in playing their part to tackle homelessness across Britain.

Our data is already helping to provide a clearer picture of what’s happening right now – and we’re collaborating with Crisis to help influence meaningful policy change at a government level. 

Specifically, our data has highlighted the availability of low-cost rented accommodation for people claiming housing benefit in England. It shows that soaring rents – combined with a housing benefit freeze – are leaving a huge shortfall in genuinely affordable homes. 

All of us need a safe, stable home. But in reality, only 1 in 8 properties advertised in the last year would actually be affordable to people claiming housing benefit. 

That means tens of thousands of renters are unable to cover the cost of renting their homes, at a time when we are experiencing a cost-of-living emergency.

As our Executive Director, Richard Donnell explains: “The gap between housing benefit levels and actual rents is widening, as demand for rented homes outpaces supply. 

“There is a greater supply squeeze in the rental market than the sales market. 

“This is being compounded by a growing number of private landlords exiting the market in the face of tax changes and greater regulation – a trend that looks set to continue. 

“The challenge for national and local government is to encourage more supply across all tenures and a policy environment that continues to attract new investment into the rented sectors.”

Evictions are currently on the rise and the number of people experiencing homelessness is increasing in England. 

The shortage of homes available for rent is pushing rents higher – far beyond the reach of thousands of households, who are now at greater risk of becoming homeless.

Crisis fears tens of thousands of renters could be driven out of their homes in the coming months. And not having a safe, comfortable place to live is even harder during the winter season. 

A gift of £29.07 to Crisis at Christmas could give someone who's homeless:

• Help with a safe place to stay

• Hot meals and a Christmas dinner

• Access to health and wellbeing programmes

• Support to leave homelessness behind for good

I’d like to make a donation to Crisis 

At Zoopla, we’ve been running marathons to raise money for Crisis. (You might like to consider doing something similar.)

We’ve also been volunteering at Crisis warehouses, stores and Skylight Centres across Britain.

Ultimately, there are things we can all do to make a difference. 

We’re proud to stand with Crisis. And we hope you will too.

Because everyone should have a safe, comfortable place to live. 

Because times are tough right now.

Because everyone needs a home – especially at Christmas.