In 2023, it was expected that as many as 300,000 people in the UK would be homeless at Christmas time. According to new research by The Big Issue, it seems that very little has changed, with almost 80% of vendors saying they feel closer to homelessness than they did five years ago.
For those experiencing it, homelessness is a year-round issue. Each season brings with it new challenges to overcome. But facing homelessness at Christmas can be particularly challenging, leaving people feeling lonely, isolated and rejected.
A very different picture of Christmas
For many of us, December is a time spent with friends and family—soaking up all the festive activities, getting cosy, and most likely overindulging in all things Christmas.
For those experiencing homelessness, it couldn’t be more of a stark contrast.
Where there were once friends and family, there’s now increased isolation and fear. Many of the people we support are in volatile and vulnerable situations where they may not feel the safety they once did, especially if the people around them have rejected them.
Where there may have been a cosy, warm place to sleep, there’s uncertainty over where to bed down each night. Will there even be a place to sleep at all?
Where there were once warm drinks and hearty meals, there may be question marks over where the next meal is coming from.
It’s a far cry from the supermarket advert idea of a ‘picture perfect Christmas’.
‘No room at the inn’ is a harsh reality
Increased running costs, inflation and the cost of living crisis have driven more people than ever into homelessness. But these things have also put even more strain on the services trying to help.
Crisis has reported as much as a 25% increase in demand for services this year. This story is also true for many other smaller, local services who are now struggling to meet demands for accommodation and resources.
Where services have always provided a Christmas dinner or a dry place to sleep for to those in need, we may see more people turned away than ever due to lack of available space and resources.
How can you help this Christmas?
Check in on family and friends
The conversations we’re having here aren’t only applicable to those who are sleeping rough. Hard economic times might make this Christmas a more difficult time for many families. Check in with any family members, friends or colleagues you think might be struggling, as letting them know you’re there could be a lifeline.
No one is invisible, but so many are lonely
Even if you’re unable to offer practical support, simply saying hello or smiling at somebody as you pass them on the street can go a long way. Loneliness is such a common problem among people facing homelessness, with many often going hours or days without speaking to someone.
If you see someone in distress or in need of urgent medical attention, please be sure to call 999 for an emergency ambulance.
Donate to a charitable organisation
This year, we’ve set our most ambitious Christmas fundraising target yet. Your cash donations will help us expand our outreach team and continue creating long-term relationships with those experiencing homelessness. Only with these trusting relationships can we support people in breaking the cycle of homelessness for good.
Please consider donating to Simon on the Streets this year. You can also donate £10 by texting SIMON to 70470.
If you see someone sleeping rough in Leeds or Bradford, you can contact us directly on 0113 345 2270 or email admin@simononthestreets.co.uk.