'Nobody knows you’re there, you're on your own': Kent charity aims to end rural homelessness
Porchlight, based in Canterbury, are hoping to trial a Housing First scheme in East Kent
Last updated 16th Apr 2025
'Nobody knows you’re there, nobody cares you’re there, you're on your own'
Over the last five years, rural homelessness has increased more than 40% in five years.
It's why Porchlight, based in Canterbury, are hoping to trial a Housing First scheme in East Kent that would offer unconditional, permanent housing to those sleeping rough in the countryside.
If given the correct support, they believe they can end rural homelessness by 2030.
Tom Neumark, the CEO of Porchlight, told Greatest Hits Radio: "Rents are going up, housing costs are going but people's wages and benefits are keeping track so they're struggling to make ends meat.
"And this is made even worse in the countryside because there often aren't those services to help people when they are getting really close to the edge, or when they are even experiencing it."
""Our scheme, if trialled, would give those sleeping rough in the countryside their own accommodation, they wouldn't have to go through temporary or emergency housing first.
"However, most importantly, a worker would come to them every single day, helping them get set up in their new place, and manage their life such as paying bills."
The Challenges of Rural Homelessness
According to research by the University of Kent and University of Southampton (published in 2023), people experiencing homelessness are being left isolated in rural communities
Porchlight believe is a largely invisible problem, with people sleeping in woodland, barns or marshes, where they’re hidden from view.
Tom said: "When someone becomes homeless, it can be difficult to access help due to being isolated and having limited transport options.
"Everything is just so spread out, in the countryside you've just go to travel so much further to get any help. Where as if you are in the town or city it maybe a 15/20 minute walk, not a two hour walk.
"Our scheme, if trialled, would give those sleeping rough their own accommodation, they wouldn't have to go through temporary or emergency housing first.
"However, most importantly, a worker would come to them every single day, helping them get set up in their new place, and manage their life such as paying bills."