Banking scheme is supporting people to rebuild their lives

New figures from Statistics Wales show that homelessness in Wales has risen to its highest level since records began in 2015. More than 13,000 households were assessed as homeless last year by councils, an increase of 8% on the year before.  

The latest numbers come less than a year after a White Paper was published outlining how the Welsh Government plans to end homelessness.  

Andrew Connell, Policy Manager for The Salvation Army, said:  

“It’s disappointing to see the number of people who are experiencing homelessness in Wales going up again. The Welsh Government’s White Paper is a step in the right direction. However, both the Westminster and devolved governments must address the shortage of affordable housing stock, especially social housing.  

“As one the UK’s largest providers of support to people who are experiencing homelessness, we would also like to see more done to prevent homelessness repeating. That includes removing barriers to finding work and accommodation such as being unable to access a bank account due to not having an address. Poor financial stability is a major barrier preventing people rebuilding their lives.” 

The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus programme in Wrexham and Rhyl has been referring people who need help to a scheme run by HSBC in partnership with the homeless charity Shelter. It allows people to use The Salvation Army’s address instead of a home address.

One client, Steven, from Wrexham, found it difficult to apply for jobs when he was without a home for two years after his partner passed away from cancer. He had been a full-time carer, but was not on their tenancy agreement. The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus team referred him to HSBC and two weeks later he found work at a local factory and now rents a room in a shared house. 

Alyson Tindall-Read from The Salvation Army Employment Plus service in Wrexham worked with Steven, and said:  

“Having a bank account makes it easier to access the things people who are experiencing homelessness need to get back on their feet, including receiving benefits, getting paid a wage or salary and importantly paying rent and household bills."

“The Salvation Army are recognised locally as the go to organisation to help people excluded from managing their own finances and the responsibility that goes with this. This assistance is needed due to the continued lack of provision by many mainstream banking organisations. It has been satisfying to be able to work with HSBC and see the benefit for the people we support.” 

Wendy Morrice, Local Director for HSBC UK, said:  

“We are very proud of our work to support people who do not have a fixed address to open a bank account. Our aim is to help customers to improve their financial stability and independence. Charities such as The Salvation Army and Shelter are key to this process.”