Homelessness in London has reached crisis point. The capital accounted for 25 per cent of the UK's homeless population over Christmas.
Research found that 6,180 people were either on the streets or sleeping in tents and public transport in London. With temperatures plummeting below zero and snow falling in parts of the country, this can mean life or death for many.
Witnessing a rough sleeper in the biting cold of winter triggers empathy in the average passer-by, yet few of us know how we can actually help. The impulse to offer cash or food may provide temporary relief, but is it really a long term solution?
In a city that prides itself as inclusive, forward-thinking and cosmopolitan, it’s astounding that so many are left out in the cold. So how can we, as Londoners, help put an end to this epidemic?
We caught up with Sam Forsdike, Welfare Manager at homeless project C4WS, to find out.
How does someone become homeless?
Sadly, the preconception of homelessness as a “choice” still exists. But in reality, someone ends up on the streets due to external factors that are most often out of their control.
These are the most common causes, according to Sam:
- Lack of money: This is mainly due to losing employment as well as struggling to access benefits – particularly with the delays of Universal Credit.
- Relationship breakdown: This encompasses a wide range of factors, from young LGBTQI’s being kicked out to people caring for elderly parents and not inheriting the house.
- Immigration: Many refugees are fleeing homelands to seek asylum here and young 18-24 year olds from failing economies in Western Europe are also looking for jobs in the UK.
Homelessness can also come about as a result of physical or mental health challenges, trauma, grief, addictions and abuse.
Should you give money to homeless people on the street?
Most charities advise against giving money directly to rough sleepers. As Sam points out, “it's hard to know where your money might go on the street."
“By giving it to a charity that works on the frontline with individuals who are homeless, you know your support is going to make a difference.
“For example, £10 covers the cost of a warm, welcoming shelter, three course healthy dinner, breakfast and access to showers.”
What’s the best thing to buy a homeless person?
If you want to give something directly to a person on the street then food, a hot drink or warm clothing will always go down a treat.
At C4WS, “the most in-demand items are underwear, backpacks, hardy shoes, bus passes, Oystercards and phone credit,” says Sam.
But that’s not the only way you can help. Many people sleeping rough feel ignored and isolated so engaging and having a conversation can offer a huge amount of support.
How to help a homeless person find shelter
During the winter months, the government works with local charities and churches to provide emergency cold weather shelters for the homeless when the temperature drops below freezing.
You can report a rough sleeper with the StreetLink app or via their local council homelessness services; this makes sure they can be connected to the most appropriate local support service.
Where to donate clothes to the homeless
Reduce waste by recycling your cast-offs with Drop Point, which ensures your clothing makes its way to someone in need.
C4WS are always on the lookout for specific items that can help their guests, which you can take a look at here.
You can also contact your local Salvation Army to find out what and where they are collecting, or speak directly to someone sleeping rough and ask them what they might need.
How to volunteer to help the homeless
Giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can do to help build a sustainable solution to the homelessness epidemic.
From helping out in a winter night shelter, to volunteering in a foodbank or an emergency drop-in centre, volunteer support is needed throughout the year.
Sam highlights how "crucial volunteers are to the process of helping these people find jobs and permanent housing. This long term intervention enables them to exit homelessness permanently and is proven way of providing real change.”
If you're employed, volunteering for Jobs Club to share skills with job-seeking guests in the shelter is a great way to help them build confidence and access employment.
If you don’t have time to spare, offering your spare room temporarily through C4WS provides shelter for someone in need whilst welfare teams find them a permanent home.
How can we tackle homelessness in the long term?
“We need more housing,” says Sam. “The delays in benefits are causing more people to become homeless.”
“We also need to allow asylum seekers to work and support themselves whilst waiting for a decision on whether they can remain in the UK.”
How can we make this happen?
Paul Noblet, Head of Public Affairs at youth homeless charity Centrepoint, highlights the power of conversation around homelessness.
“Try and keep the issue on the top of the political agenda. If your local MP is having a coffee morning, go a long and spark up a conversation about it.”
“Talk about it with your friends and family, and encourage more people to become involved with volunteering and donating.”
C4WS is London's homeless project that aims to get people off the streets permanently, find out about volunteering here.
Centrepoint is the UK's leading youth homeless charity, you can get involved here.
The Salvation Army works with disadvantaged people in the community, here's how to help out this Christmas.
