Ahead of World Homeless Day (10 October), Single Homeless Project, the largest homeless charity dedicated to helping Londoners in crisis, is reporting a dramatic surge in requests for emergency grants to help people survive the current cost-of-living crisis.
The charity, which helps over 10,000 Londoners every year, is concerned this demonstrates a significant shift from coping to surviving for those at risk of homelessness.
Despite the additional Government support, the charity warns that the huge increase in energy bills and food prices will force more people into homelessness.
The charity’s homelessness prevention teams help Londoners facing homelessness to stay in their own homes and operate an emergency grant scheme for urgent situations. Last year, they had over 500 requests for travel cards, mobile phones and top-ups, IDs, clothing, and essentials for moving into a new home. This year, they have already received 1,000 requests. Worryingly, most of these have been for ‘survival items’ such as food vouchers and energy top-ups.
Chantall Roberts, Service Manager, Single Homeless Project, said: “The best way to end homelessness is to stop it from happening in the first place. We’re helping our clients access the benefits they’re entitled to, negotiate with landlords, and budget carefully, but there’s only so much you can cut back on when you’re already on the breadline. Our staff are doing their best, but our clients need more help keeping the lights on and their bellies full. Being in survival mode is a scary place to be, and I’m really worried about the numbers of people that could be forced into homelessness this winter.”
Fighting to stay afloat
Jason, 51, who lives in South East London, said: “I have 96p on my electricity meter right now. My Universal Credit payments just aren’t enough to keep me afloat. I’ve been selling things to make money to put in my gas and electric meters. I’ve also been staying in my bedroom under the covers so I don’t have to put the heating on, have fewer showers, and let the washing up pile up so I don’t use as much hot water. It’s been keeping me up at night.”
Single Homeless Project helps one Londoner at risk of homelessness every hour. For World Homeless Day, the charity is asking for donations to top up energy meters for Londoners struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. 100% of donations will go directly to people on the brink of homelessness.
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