A warning from charity Crisis UK that hundreds of thousands of UK households could become homeless this winter, has prompted London City Mission (LCM) to issue an urgent call for help.
Figures show that, up to now, good progress had been made with 2,689 fewer people sleeping rough in the year to April 2022 compared to the previous year. An LCM spokesperson said the warning of the impending rise in homelessness is a ‘heartbreaking projection’ threatening the work already done.
To raise vital funds ahead of the coming winter months LCM, which runs the Webber Street day centre in partnership with London Embankment Mission, is to host a Big Winter Sleepout on 19 November 2022. At the centre, practical support and care is given to those living on the street and volunteers serve up to 80 guests every day from 36 different countries of origin. The sleepout event will also help raise awareness for the homeless in London.
Participants can sleep at the Webber Street day centre – or in their own garden, balcony or doorstep. Funds will go to the centre, ensuring it can continue providing homeless people with a warm breakfast, a new set of clothes, and help finding accommodation. They also get to hear the gospel.
Webber Street team leader Daniel Coghill said: ‘[This is] something really valuable we can offer to people who live chaotic and unpredictable lives; a place that is calmer for them is incredibly helpful and can help them relax and feel safe.’
