07 December 2020
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Crisis is the national charity for people who are homeless. Every Christmas, Crisis mobilises a unique volunteering effort to provide warmth, companionship, and vital services to people facing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year.
At Christmas, and throughout the rest of the year, it helps people directly out of homelessness, and campaigns for the social changes needed to solve it altogether.
2020 has been a tough year for many. And it’s a reminder of how much people depend on each other for connection, hope, and support in difficult times; and of the importance of a safe and secure home.
Everyone should have a safe place to call home. But right now, many people are denied this basic human need. Sadly, this Christmas thousands of people will be alone, with nowhere to call home. And many will be experiencing their first homeless Christmas.
It’s not right that this Christmas thousands of people will be alone, forced onto the streets, into sofa surfing, or into a hostel with nowhere to call home and no-one to be with. Sleeping rough is incredibly dangerous, and never more so than during the coronavirus pandemic when there is nowhere to self-isolate and wash your hands. But in winter, when temperatures drop, it’s even worse.
This Christmas, because of coronavirus, Crisis will need to do things differently – but with the help of amazing supporters, such as players of People’s Postcode Lottery, it is adapting its services so it can still be there for those in need. Guests receiving support from Crisis this Christmas will have access to:
- Somewhere safe to stay
- Support from volunteer befrienders
- Essential food and festive treats
- Phone and online support
- Christmas activity packs of arts and crafts, games and quizzes
- Health and wellbeing programmes
- Year-round support with training and education
- Advice on housing, employment and benefits
- The chance to leave homelessness behind for good
After Christmas, Crisis continues supporting people throughout the year at 11 Skylight centres. Here, frontline staff work side by side with people, offering support with employment, housing and mental health to help move out of homelessness for good.
With support from players, Crisis has adapted its year-round services to continue providing connection and support to people throughout the pandemic.
Since last Christmas, hundreds of people experiencing homelessness have gained qualifications, which improved their wellbeing and confidence and gave them real opportunities to take the first steps out of homelessness. Last year, with support from Crisis, over 2,000 people had their homelessness ended.
Crisis is incredibly grateful to the incredible generosity and continued support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Players have raised over £5.7 million for Crisis.