Cornwall’s Housing Crisis: What can I do?
Many of us feel hopeless in the face of Cornwall’s Housing Crisis. And it’s not a surprise. A survey completed by Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) in 2024 showed that demand for homelessness support services has increased by over 140% since 2020.
Whether suffering directly from the housing crisis, fearing how it will impact the future, or overwhelmed at the complexity of the issue, it’s easy to feel anxious about this issue.
So, what can you do?
Understand what’s already being done
There are so many organisations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly making a difference on the front lines of the housing crisis. Organisations like St Petrocs, Harbour Housing, and West Cornwall Women’s Aid provide support to those without a place to call home. Meanwhile, groups like Whole Again Communities and The Old Bank, Camelford, support those impacted by the housing crisis with hot meals and food.
Support groups who are building for their communities
Three Seas Cornwall recently launched their project to renovate and rent out Looe’s Coastguard Flats. With Three Seas’ input, locals have been able to invest in the project with community shares so that the flats will become liveable again. ProjectsA piece of work that delivers an output. like this are happening across Cornwall, with Cornwall Community Land Trust, St Ives Community Land Trust, Cornwall Rural Housing Association, and more.
Focus on what you can control
In the face of overwhelm, it is often recommended that you focus on what you can control. For Cornwall’s Housing Crisis, that often means supporting organisations making a difference where you can. This can be through volunteering for local groups like Whole Again Communities, Housing Justice, or your local foodbank. You could follow these groups on social media and share updates to help them improve their reach and apply for funding. Or you can give financially to those making an impact.
If you want to support those who are making a significant impact on the housing crisis, you can also give to ‘Cornwall’s Housing Action Fund’.
Cornwall Community Foundation aim to raise £3 million for this fundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions., which will then be distributed to the groups making a real and positive change to communities struggling from the Housing Crisis.
Funding goes to the groups helping those on the frontline, as well as groups building and restoring affordable homes for locals. Find out more about the fund and donate today.
