Brighton Teen Launches Campaign To Tackle Family Homelessness Crisis

A teenager from Brighton has launched a campaign to help families trapped in temporary accommodation, calling for unused land to be turned into permanent homes.

Scarlett Chapman, who has supported local homelessness charities since the age of eight, has already raised more than £10,000 through fundraising efforts including busking in the city.

She says she was driven to take further action after learning that thousands of families in Brighton and Hove are living in temporary housing for extended periods, often in poor conditions.

Campaign Calls For New Homes On Unused Land

Scarlett’s campaign, called Mission:HOME, is urging Brighton & Hove City Council to use small unused plots of land — known as microsites — to build permanent housing for local families.

The first proposed development is in Woodingdean, where plans have been submitted to build homes for four families.

Residents are being encouraged to support the proposal through the council’s planning process.

Scarlett said stable housing is essential for children’s wellbeing.

She said:

“Having a home gives children stability and a sense of belonging.

"It breaks my heart to hear about children living in fear of having to move from place to place, never knowing when they’ll have to pack up again or change schools or leave friends behind. No child should grow up like that.

“We have a real opportunity to show Brighton that the way families are living in temporary accommodation just isn’t right, and that we can do better.”

Homelessness Remains Major Issue In City

According to housing charity Shelter, homelessness affects around 1 in 77 people in Brighton and Hove — equivalent to roughly 3,580 residents.

Charities say the number of families living in temporary accommodation has reached record levels, with many waiting months or years for permanent housing.

Simon Gale, Chief Executive of Brighton-based charity Justlife, said increasing the supply of social housing is key to solving the crisis.

He said:

“Across Brighton & Hove we’re seeing record numbers of people trapped in temporary accommodation.

"The reality is that the only way to bring those numbers down is to build more social housing, including on sites which are currently lying empty.”

Family Speaks Of Impact Of Temporary Accommodation

One Brighton family described living in temporary accommodation for more than a decade while raising their four children.

They said frequent moves, sometimes with just a week’s notice, had disrupted their children’s lives and schooling.

Damp and mould were persistent problems in some properties, while other homes lacked basic facilities.

The family said the lack of stability had a lasting emotional impact, particularly for their youngest child, who struggles with change.

Despite the challenges, they said they simply want a secure and permanent place to live.

Campaign Aims To Build Long-Term Solutions

Supporters of the campaign say developing small unused sites could provide safe, secure homes for families while making better use of available land.

Scarlett hopes the campaign will raise awareness of the issue and encourage action to provide permanent housing for those in need.

She says ensuring families have stable homes is essential for giving children the security and opportunities they deserve.