Helping London’s Homeless this Winter

You might not be in the Christmas spirit just yet, but you can’t ignore the cold nip in the air. Sorry Game of Thrones, it’s time to admit that winter has very much come. For most of us, winter brings with it a lot of wonder – Christmas of course, an excuse to fatten up for the season, family gatherings and the joy of mulling as many things as possible. However, for some overlooked Londoners ’tis the season to be jolly well feared.

8000 people now sleep on the streets of London and needless to say winter is the worst. While we worry about whether we left our scarf at home, their wondering if they’ll make it through. It’s a stark contrast to our vision of Christmas. It’s likely you pass a homeless person every day and you may do your bit and pass on your change. As someone who pays for everything by card, I’m constantly without. It also feels like a drop in the ocean giving a quid to one person, and many (understandably) want to know the money they give is going towards helping rather than hindering a homeless person.

If you’re constantly without cash like me, wanting to know your money is going toward the right things, or simply strapped for money but wanting to help, we want to introduce you to a few charities and missions making all the difference for homelessness at Christmas.

Streets of London

Streets of London tackles homelessness in a number of ways. Importantly, it does it’s bit in diverting funds from the major names towards less well-known charities that do equally as important work. With the number of people sleeping rough trebling in the last ten years, there’s a need for more funding for specialist support networks and workers. Streets of London identifies these causes and projects for whom a grant would make a real difference. You can donate online now: it takes as little time as buying that coffee machine from Amazon. 

SoL also provide a list of agencies in London that rely on volunteers. Fundraising is common, but during a busy season taking time to marathon train or chase donations isn’t always possible. Finding a couple of hours in your week is a lot more feasible, and if Ellie Goulding can spend Christmas Eve volunteering, so can we. It also gives you a chance to spend time with those actually affected and see how peoples lives can be affected by homelessness and your kindness.

Centrepoint

Centrepoint Christmas adverts are a sad herald to the season, but for Londoners they’re as recognisable as the long-awaited John Lewis ads. They’re a charity dedicated to homeless young people, and they depend upon volunteers. Volunteering is a lot more than clichéd soup kitchens. With Centrepoint, you can mentor a young person and help them get back on their feet – perhaps on their feet for the first time. It can involve skill sharing, developing confidence or simply being a friend. Improve their English and maths or help them manage money; whatever your skill, you’re welcomed.

If one-to-one sounds a little scary or time-consuming, you can also volunteer as a receptionist at one of their hostels. Check out their opportunities for giving your time or money here: https://centrepoint.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

Shelter

Shelter is a staple, having been around for 50 years. Their success is due in part to their housing advice, which doesn’t simply end with getting a roof over someone’s head. Shelter also advise on tenancy deposits, private renting, repairs, benefits, council housing, eviction – you name it, they’ll know it. If you’re looking to help out, they do campaigns, fundraising and national events like Slippers for Shelter, happening on Friday 9th December. Most of us have dreamed about going to work in your slippers and now you can do it for a good cause.

The easier it is, the more likely people are to donate. With Shelter, its as easy as eating lunch from M&S, who have teamed up with the charity again this year. Whenever you pick up an item from their lunch range (which wonderfully includes profiteroles), they’ll donate to Shelter. If ever you needed an excuse to snack at Sparks, this is it. Take a look at the good work you can do with them here.

There are so many more London charities looking for funding and volunteers. Take a look at the Streets of London’s website for a good starter list, or look to your local area. It’s worth remembering that winter doesn’t end with the year. January and February tend to bring not only more cold, but crisp days turn to sleet and rain. Don’t let your giving spirit get packed away with the reindeer jumper..

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