Places for People (PfP) highlighted the role social housing providers can play in addressing the housing crisis, beyond just building homes.
PfP has urged all political parties to build more social homes, encouraged by the Government’s plan for 1.5 million new homes.
PfP’s Wellbeing Survey revealed financial instability and other barriers faced by social housing customers.
Greg Reed, group CEO at PfP, said: “Our country is in the most serious state of housing crisis we have faced in modern times.
“There are currently 159,000 children in England living in temporary accommodation with their families and 1.29million households are waiting for a social home. This is absolutely not good enough.
“Our Time to Build campaign last year also found that one in five people in the UK fear they or someone they know will be homeless in the next year and the need for the right mix of quality, affordable homes remains vital.”
Reed added: “So, after years of a lack of serious action, I’m so encouraged by this Government’s immediate focus on housebuilding since coming into office.
“With 13,000 new homes in our building pipeline over the next five years, the biggest in our sector, Places for People is ready to play a huge role in this.
“Whilst so much energy and resource must focus on housebuilding, far too many people are facing deep-rooted challenges and cost of living pressures which lead them to desperate places and we cannot solve the housing crisis without also focussing on the people at the heart of it.”
He said: “Our role as a social enterprise has always gone well Beyond Homes because we know our Customers need help, regardless of who provides it.
“Finance, homeless prevention, digital access, health and wellbeing, employment and education and more, we deliver support to not only prevent people falling into crisis but to allow Communities to truly thrive.
“As a social landlord we know and understand the challenges and needs of Communities as well as anyone.”
He added: “We know this Government is acutely aware of the issues people face and that addressing them is a major priority.
“We now have a huge opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many and breakdown the barriers holding people back.
“Through not just our work to improve housing provision, but our support with health and wellbeing and skills and employment too, we’re ready to play a major role.
“We invite Government to meet with our community housing managers in the heart of our neighbourhoods so we can discuss how we can go further together for those who need us most.”
Kevin Garvey, head of member relations at the National Housing Federation, said: “Housing associations are not only passionate about providing safe, secure, and affordable homes to people on the lowest incomes, but they also play a vital long-term role in the communities they serve.
“With many social housing residents struggling with cost-of-living pressures, which can have a knock-on impact on their health and wellbeing, the Beyond Homes campaign is more important than ever in helping identify the barriers residents face and the support that is needed.”
Garvey added: “The NHF is dedicated to supporting our members to deliver their social purpose and provide affordable homes and support services to all who need them across the country.”
