YMCA Malta CEO Anthony Camilleri painted a clear picture of the homelessness situation in Malta during an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday.

In 2024, 335 individuals were classified as being at risk of homelessness in Malta. Camilleri said that "many of these people are not yet roofless or sleeping rough. They are in situations where, unless something changes or they receive support, they will eventually become homeless."

The issue, he warned, is growing. "From our statistics and referrals, we are aware that the numbers are consistently increasing - and alarmingly so." Most of the individuals who turn to YMCA are not yet living on the streets, but many are in inadequate housing, without access to basic amenities, he said.

His statements should raise concern. There are many reasons a person could end up on the verge of becoming homeless.

"Some technically have a home, but because of financial constraints, they don't have access to basic amenities like electricity or water, and don't even have clothes," Camilleri said. Many use the organisation's drop-in centre simply to shower, eat or access social support.

In 2024, 185 were recorded as roofless. "This is primarily due to the increasing financial pressures people are facing," Camilleri said.

There are many issues that could lead to someone ending up homeless, and it would likely be the result of a mix of problems. Someone could end up homeless due to the impact of a personal matter or trauma that sends them into a spiral. Some might be trying to escape from an abusive partner. Someone could have been the victim of an unforeseen circumstance. High property prices don't help. Anyone could fall on hard times.

The government provides social housing, and introduced other housing schemes which help people. But the situation is more complex than that and people in such a situation would need additional support.

Mental health problems and substance abuse are some of the most common underlying issues. "These categories are huge but often not spoken about enough due to the taboo surrounding them," Camilleri added. 

Support systems for both of these issues exist in Malta, but more needs to be done to help those who are falling through the net.

Camilleri also stressed that homelessness is rarely caused by a single issue. "Homelessness is often the result of multiple issues compounding. One problem leads to another, and people fall to the bottom of the social ladder."

Just because homelessness is not as visible as it is in some major European cities, does not mean that it isn't present. While the number is low, more must be done to support those who find themselves in such a desperate situation. People who find themselves homeless would need support in a number of ways and the problem is that when reaching such a stage it is hard to stand up again without receiving that support.

For instance, someone with mental health issues would need mental health support, while also receiving help to get a roof over their heads and to find a job. Some might need other forms of support, such as to overcome drug addiction.

This is where the YMCA's call for a strategy to tackle homelessness comes in. It could help improve coordination between the different support structures that exist in Malta in a bid to help homeless individuals get back on their feet, while working to fill in the gaps in services that might exist.

For example, the YMCA currently lacks a long-term low-threshold shelter.

But as Camilleri rightly points out, a strategy must not just be about providing emergency shelter, and must also include prevention. The authorities should open discussions with those organisations in the country that support homeless people and devise a strategy to help those who fall on such hard times.