Dear Editor,

This Christmas, we estimate that more than 83,000 families and individuals across London are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes people forced to sleep on the streets, in cars and in damp and mouldy B&Bs.

For those forced to sleep rough, the festive period can be even more challenging than other points during the year. The cold and wet weather increases the chances of developing hypothermia and other serious illnesses.
Many will feel lonely and isolated, in contrast to those fortunate enough to spend Christmas and New Year with friends and family.

At Crisis, we will soon be opening up our hotels to provide warmth, companionship and vital services to hundreds of Londoners who would otherwise be sleeping rough in December and January.

Once through our doors, our guests will not only have somewhere to sleep but be able to access the specialist support that we provide all year round. We hope that, with this foundation, they can develop the skills and confidence to start their journey out of homelessness.

This vital work, however, is only possible with the generosity of volunteers who help us to run our services. They help us deliver food and essentials, carry out healthcare checks and create a warm and welcoming environment for all of our guests. And we’ve still got volunteering roles to fill.

So, by getting involved in this year’s Crisis at Christmas, you could help someone start a life out of homelessness, and help us be there for anyone who needs our support.

It’s not too late to sign up – please visit https://www.crisis.org.uk/crisis-at-christmas/christmas-in-london/

Matt Downie,
Chief Executive of Crisis