Ukrainian families in the UK still at risk of homelessness

Thousands of Ukrainian families across the country are facing homelessness this year, new research for the British Red Cross reveals. 

Three years on from the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the charity warns that displaced Ukrainians living in the UK are still over twice as likely to experience homelessness than the general population. 

British Red Cross research, Still at risk: Homelessness among displaced Ukrainians in the UK, shows that whilst good progress has been made towards reducing homelessness, many families are still facing instability and a life on the streets. The research estimates that:  

• Displaced Ukrainians living in the UK are 2.34 times more likely to experience statutory homelessness which includes making a homelessness application to local authorities; and 
• Displaced Ukrainians living in the UK are 2.57 times more likely to experience core homelessness which includes sofa surfing or rough sleeping. 
• Over the next year, 6,400 Ukrainian households in the UK* will experience some form of homelessness.

The British Red Cross is calling for a longer-term plan for the protection and integration of Ukrainians in the UK.  

People displaced from Ukraine have faced challenges related to integration, such as accessing safe, secure and affordable housing, working and inclusion in communities. As a result, too many have experienced homelessness and large numbers have spent extended periods in temporary accommodation.  

The Red Cross has supported almost 70,000 people displaced from Ukraine living in the UK. The charity has provided vital support including cash assistance and help for those struggling with food and accommodation. Its teams have seen the devastating impact homelessness and insecurity can have on people’s health and wellbeing. 

Mubeen Bhutta, British Red Cross Director of Policy, Research and Advocacy, said:  

“Three years ago, people in Ukraine had their lives turned upside down. The UK became a place of safety for thousands fleeing the conflict, but many have continued to face immense challenges. 

"Through our work helping close to 70,000 displaced Ukrainians in the UK, we know that too many families have ended up sleeping rough or living in places where they have felt unsafe. Our new research shows that although there has been good progress, Ukrainians in the UK are still over twice as likely to experience homelessness than the general population.  

"It is vital that the government drives down homelessness and supports Ukrainians to integrate in the long-term, so that people can live, work and rebuild their lives in safety." 

Serhii**, 40, fled Ukraine in June 2022 with his wife, 6-year-old son, and their 8-month-old daughter. He said:  

"After I evacuated my family from our home in Ukraine, we arrived in the UK. Here, we had to move four times, living in temporary accommodation in different areas, never knowing what tomorrow would bring or when this uncertainty would finally end. I felt unprotected, uncertain about the future, and deeply anxious for my family. I hope that those facing similar challenges will be able to receive the necessary support more quickly. 

“Right now, I am grateful that our housing situation is resolved. But the anxiety hasn’t disappeared because the future of the Ukrainian schemes in the UK remains uncertain.  

Serhii added: “The biggest question I face now is whether to focus all my efforts on helping my children integrate into British society, or to prepare them for returning to a Ukrainian school if their visa is not extended in a year and a half. Getting clarity as soon as possible is crucial for planning a stable future for my children. It breaks my heart that their early years are spent in constant stress, something even adults struggle to cope with. So, if we can lighten this burden, even a little, we must do so." 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

*Data is for England, Scotland and Wales. Although the analysis seeks to build a picture across the UK, detailed data from the statutory homelessness systems in Scotland and Wales is currently more limited and there was not publicly available data for Northern Ireland.  

 ** Serhii and his family were matched with a host family in Sheffield under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, moving into their summer house. When the weather grew colder, Serhii applied to Sheffield City Council for accommodation for his young family. They now live in social housing. 

For more information, interviews or case studies, please contact press@redcross.org.uk.

Full summary, key findings, and recommendations of this research available here.  

The British Red Cross has commissioned research by Professor Glen Bramley at Heriot-Watt University to explore housing and homelessness in displaced Ukrainians in the UK. The research pulls together a range of datasets to understand the extent, risks, and reasons for homelessness in this group, and projects future homelessness rates. This 2025 research is an update of our 2023 forecasting Report: How Ukrainian refugees are finding safety in the UK.

British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.

Ukraine Crisis Appeal

The British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis appeal supports people in areas affected and those potentially affected in the future by this crisis.