Home is everything; it’s the foundation upon which we build our lives, our families and our communities. But right now, across Wales, hundreds of thousands of people are living without access to a safe, secure, suitable and genuinely affordable home. 

With almost 95,000 households on waiting lists for a social home and more than 230,000 households relying on a private rented sector that isn’t fit for purpose, it’s clear that the time for change is now.

Ending the housing emergency isn’t just about putting a roof over people’s heads; it’s about ensuring homes meet the needs of people and that our entire housing system has people at its heart.

For decades, People and Homes has been a conference that brings together individuals and organisations from across Wales, and beyond, to identify the root causes of our housing emergency and the solutions that are needed. In 2026, this collaboration is needed as much as it ever has been.

That’s why, this year, People and Homes sets out to consider how we can better understand what it is that the people experiencing the housing emergency want from their homes, and how we can all contribute to achieving this. Recognising that it is people themselves who are the best judges of what they need and of what home means to them.