With figures showing the number of people sleeping rough has sharply increased, and one south London borough being among the worst in the country, we look at how you can help.
Thanks to the bitterly cold winter, homeless people in our area are more in need of help than ever before, and local charities are begging for help.
According to figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government recorded last autumn, Croydon had the seventh highest number of people on the street, with 68 rough sleepers relying on handouts and the generosity of strangers.
Nationally, there were an estimated 4,134 people sleeping rough, up by 16 per cent from the previous year. In London, the total of 964 was three per cent higher than 2015.
If you’re concerned about the plight of homeless people, there are practical ways to help. Here are 10 examples from across south London as well as north Surrey and north Kent:
The longstanding Nightwatch team are looking for volunteers to offer emotional and practical assistance to homeless people in Croydon.
The Bexley food bank is always on the hunt for foods and sundries it can donate to local families who are struggling to make ends meet.
It is also on the lookout for volunteers who can help organise the parcels as well as make inventories of supplies.
St Mungo’s desperately needs funds to help keep a roof over the heads of the homeless people that regularly stay at its Lewisham hostel.
A spokesman said: “Sleeping rough is dangerous at any time of the year, but winter is the most critical time for us.
“Whether you’re short of time, or have more time to give, there are many ways you can help us to support homeless people this winter.”
Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness
KCAH supports single people who are homeless, or at risk of being out on the streets.
It helps those who are experiencing serious problems with private landlords and is always in need of funds to help their mission.
On Saturday, February 11, at St Paul’s Church in Queens Road, it is having a fundraising quiz night. Tickets are £12.
The Dartford church is recruiting volunteers for its Thursday night winter shelter.
For the second year running, it is opening its doors as a shelter for up to 10 homeless people every Thursday, but says that without the help of volunteers that may not continue.
A spokesman said: “We particularly need people who can stay overnight but if you think you can help in any way, cooking, setting up, or just being a friendly person to chat with, then please ring Rev Rachel Wilson on 07763 944981.”
Richmond-based Spear is dedicated to helping find temporary accommodation, jobs and even permanent lodging for the borough’s homeless.
It even offers legal services and helps people obtain identification documents – as well as get much-needed drug and alcohol support and advice about benefits and debts.
It is often hosting fundraisers and would welcome anyone who wishes to get involved to email fundraising@spearlondon.org
Emmaus provides accommodation to up to 33 homeless people at a time, and gives each one their own room and much-needed privacy.
Residents are awarded a small allowance and have all their living expenses paid for – but in return they are required to take certain responsibilities on within their micro community. This can range from cooking and cleaning to mending and restoring furniture – and it also works in community shops and in the warehouse.
It sells the items it collects in five different shops, but is always on the lookout for high quality goods that could replenish its dwindling supplies.
Croydon Council is looking for landlords to rent it properties that could be used to house the borough’s homeless.
The scheme was set up in 2012 and has been widely lauded as a success.
However, it always needs more properties to lease and would welcome any prospective landlords to get in contact by filling out an application form included on its website.
Elmbridge Rent Start is another charitable organisation that rents homes from private landlords on behalf of the homeless.
As well as helping homeless get a roof over their heads, it tries to ensure tenants have the best chance of maintaining a trouble-free tenancy by offering ongoing support.
A spokesman said: “We offer a range of free services to landlords to help you let your property.
“The deposit guarantee scheme gives peace of mind and we also provide ongoing tenancy support.”
Bromley Homeless Shelter is looking for donations as well as for people to help make breakfast and dinner for their residents.
It is also looking for volunteers to stay overnight at its shelter and provide supervision and support.
Next month it will receive all the takings from the preview night of a performance at Bromley Little Theatre of The Heresy of Love.
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