Over 220,000 people across the UK are estimated to be sleeping rough this Christmas. with even more staying in emergency accommodation. 120,000 of these are children.
Homelessness is a huge and complex crisis, requiring urgent action. And after hearing the stories of women experiencing it first-hand, we learned that it can happen to anyone at any time. You can come from any walk of life and end up homeless.
But we can help, and with individual action, we can make a monumental difference.
Here, our friends at Shelter charity broke down five ways that we can all make positive change.
Here are five simple ways to help the homeless this Christmas
1. Give your skills
According to Shelter, volunteers are "integral to the fight against bad housing and homelessness." But if volunteering at a shop or a campaign event isn’t for you, there are plenty more options. You can volunteer your skills. Whether you have experience in social media, law, human resources, data input or administrating, Shelter can utilise this. "Whatever your interest, skills and experience and however much time you have to give, there's a role for you," they explained.
2. Donate
There are almost 100 Shelter shops on high streets across the UK, selling everything from clothes and accessories to furniture and books to help the homeless. You can find your nearest Shelter shop via the website and donate any good quality items. "Shelter shops can turn your unwanted goods into help for people facing homelessness and bad housing," the charity told us.
3. Sign a petition
Helping the homeless can be as easy as signing a petition, and Shelter is encouraging people to do so in order to change the housing system from the ground up, and "fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society".
"Signing a petition can take less than a minute but it can make lasting changes to the law," explains Shelter. "Your campaigning forces those in power to sit up and take notice, making the changes we need to see to end the housing emergency."
- Demand more social housing - sign the petition
- Support rights for renters - sign the petition
- End income discrimination - sign the petition
4. Fundraise
There are fundraising events up and down the country, from marathons and triathlons to comedy and live music nights. "Want to run a marathon? Cycle 100 miles? Climb a skyscraper? You can do all these things for Shelter and more". Alternatively, if you want to create your own event, the Shelter team can support you.
5. Have your say
If you have had experience in housing issues, Shelter wants to hear your thoughts. "Because of your personal experience, you have a unique understanding of housing and homelessness issues," the charity explained. If you have insight or ideas, your involvement could improve the work Shelter does and you can be a powerful voice for change.
