There are around 250,000 homeless people in England, mostly living in temporary accommodation, and around 5000 people living on the streets. Living on the streets is something that can happen to anyone through unfortunate events – being widowed or getting divorced, falling behind with the mortgage, having mental health or addiction problems or escaping abuse. Also read up on how to help dogs of homeless people.
England is a fairly chilly place in winter, meaning people are at risk of freezing to death on the streets. And councils have made things worse by installing ‘spikes’ on benches at bus stops so nobody can sleep on them. Streetlink lets you contact authorities or hostels, if you concerned for a homeless person.
Sleeping Bags to Help Homeless People
- Sleep Pod are insulated tents that cost £25 to make. One user said ‘I slept solidly for 8 hours straight. I can’t remember the last time I did that’. This is a better idea than a heavy blanket to carry around.
- Sheltersuit is a a wind-and-waterproof jacket inspired by a friend’s father, who died of hypothermia while waiting for accommodation. Made from upcycled textiles, it includes a sleeping bag that folds into a duffel bag, and a hood that shields the face from rain and street lights.
Other Ways to Help Homeless People
- Buses 4 Homeless (London) turns unused buses into homes with sleep pods, kitchen/dining rooms, learning spaces and a wellness centre. In Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire), the old bus station is being revamped to become an overnight hostel with beds for up to 18 people and showers.
- Greater Change (Oxford) receives notification of homeless people, then pools donations to help with job interviews and clothing.
- Beam (London) crowdfunds donations to fund homeless people to get training and jobs. Vetted applicants tell you how they ended up homeless, what their passions are, and what they want to do with their lives. One woman now works as a beautician and a former drug addict works as a bricklayer. 70% of recipients sustain regular work for at least 6 months.
- Emmaus has shops nationwide to donate furniture and white goods. These are done up by homeless people in return for a job, home and training. The charity was founded by French Catholic priest Abbe Pierre, after he heard of a homeless baby frozen to death, and a woman found dead on the streets, clutching her eviction notice.
- ShowerBox offers a free secure shower to 9000 homeless Londoners, who may go weeks or months without a shower. Laundry services also help people wash/dry clothes and blankets (including dog blankets).
.jpg){kind=link}