Those facing homelessness are vulnerable all year round, but particularly at Christmas, when the temperature drops and many homeless people face extreme weather conditions. Across the UK, there are a number of ways that we can all support the homeless, whether it's setting up a monthly donation to a charity or offering food, clothing or money to individuals wherever we can. Wherever you are based, here are eight ways you can help this Christmas.
1. Download Streetlink
Streetlink is a website and phone app that allows users to alert authorities to someone sleeping rough in England and Wales. Volunteers can help people facing homelessness find a bed for the night, as well as point them to long-term support services. Download the app here.
2. Contact your local council
Streetlink is the quickest way to find support for those sleeping rough, but it does not guarantee the person will receive help. You can also contact your local council, which can help locate a bed for those facing homelessness. In some UK areas, SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) has been activated, which means more beds will open up in local shelters.
3. Speak to the homeless
Facing homelessness is extremely challenging, and there can be days where they might not communicate with anyone at all. If you are able, you can ask a homeless person what they need, and help them source food, a hot drink, money for shelter or warm clothing. The Big Issue has some helpful tips for reaching out to homeless people here.
5. Volunteer at Crisis
Every winter, the charity Crisis turns unused buildings across the country into makeshift shelters. The initiative gives rough sleepers both a place to stay and access to specialist advice around skills training, education, employment and more. You can donate to Crisis at Christmas here, or sign up to volunteer in person here. Crisis have centres in Birmingham, Coventry, Edinburgh, London, Merseyside, Newcastle, Oxford and South Wales.
6. Donate to Centrepoint
Centrepoint is the leading charity for homeless young people aged 16-25. The charity predicts over 24,000 young people could face homelessness this Christmas. You can donate here.
7. Donate to Shelter
The charity Shelter is running a campaign to end child homelessness this winter. You can donate directly, through your payroll or through a trust or foundation. Alternatively, you can give items to their charity shops, raise money for them, donate in memory of a loved one or leave a gift in your will. Donate here.
8. Join the campaign to end the housing crisis
The Big Issue has launched an End Housing Insecurity Now campaign, calling on the government to unfreeze local housing allowance rates, reform universal credit, and bring forward the Renters Reform Bill to end no-fault evictions for good. You can find out more and sign the petition here.
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