**This Christmas we are raising money for homelessness charity, Crisis. All donations make a difference***
Crisis at Christmas
Christmas! A word that brings to mind happy memories filled with fun and family. But for many, it can be an especially stressful even utterly miserable time of year.
Of course, homelessness in the UK is a real problem all year round. But this time of year sits in stark contrast with what is a joyful and positive few weeks for most of us.
A public outcry
Since 1967 the charity Crisis has been helping to fight homelessness in the UK after an aspiring politician, Bill Shearman was galvanised into action after seeing the now celebrated BBC drama Cathy Come Home.
It is estimated that more than 10 million people watched Ken Loach’s celebrated short film on TV about a young woman who loses her job, then her home before her baby is forced into care.
The film led to a groundswell of popular support for taking action against homelessness and a candle-lit vigil in Hyde Park which raised £7000 for homeless organisations working in the capital.
A 21st Century Problem
Although there is no official figure for homelessness across the UK today, annual data from regular studies by Crisis report that more than 200,000 households in England are experiencing some form of homelessness, right now.
Beyond the obvious calamity of not having a roof over your head, homelessness has a devasting impact, statistically on the lives of those affected.
- The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 45 for men and 43 for women. (In 2019 The World Bank reported the UK’s average was 81 years).
- People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence.
- Homeless people are over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population.
Although there is no official figure for homelessness across the UK today, annual data from regular studies by Crisis report that more than 200,000 households in England are experiencing some form of homelessness, right now.
‘Core’ homelessness and the ‘hidden’ homeless
When we hear the word ‘homelessness’ we probably visualise people sleeping rough on the streets of our towns and cities.
Crisis’s definition of what they call ‘core homelessness’ also includes people living in sheds, garages, and other unconventional buildings, sofa surfing, hostels, and B&Bs.
The nature of ‘hidden’ homelessness in which people have not approached councils for help and might be sleeping on sofas or floors, means that people are often not counted in official statistics.
In 2019, Crisis reported that there were 71,400 homeless families and individuals forced to sofa surf across Britain on any given night.
Read more on types of homelessness here
In 2019, Crisis reported that there were 71,400 homeless families and individuals forced to sofa surf across Britain on any given night.
Please donate to help fight homelessness this Christmas
As property professionals, we know the importance of property to families and businesses, and the security and stability that homes bring. As most of us look forward to spending time with family and friends this Christmas please spare a thought for those that are not so lucky.
Every £29.06 raised could give someone support and companionship thanks to Crisis.
The charity has long provided support services at Christmas, during Winter, and throughout the year.
Please support our Just Giving campaign. Any donation is appreciated and could make a real difference to someone in need.
Sources: Crisis, BBC, The World Bank
