TV presenter Gail Porter is joining Single Homeless Project in a call for immediate Government action. Our new analysis reveals that over four thousand Londoners could be forced into homelessness before Christmas. That’s one person every 9 minutes and 50 seconds.
To draw attention to this shocking statistic, the charity unveiled a surreal installation under Camden Lock Bridge. It’s designed to remind us that everyone deserves a home for good—especially at Christmas.
Single Homeless Project, the largest homeless charity dedicated to helping Londoners in crisis, is calling for the Government to increase the Local Housing Allowance and raise the benefit cap proportionately to help Londoners pay their rent and stay in their homes. The charity is warning that without these measures, 4,239 people in London could be forced into homelessness by Christmas Day.
Although the Autumn Budget announced that benefits and the benefit cap would rise in line with inflation from April, it didn’t address the biggest cause of homelessness in London—high rental rates and a disproportionately low Local Housing Allowance that hasn’t risen since 2019. The Local Housing Allowance determines the amount of your rent, which benefits can cover.
The benefit cap puts an overall limit on the amount that people can claim. For Londoners, who pay the highest rental rates in the UK and must rely on inadequate Local Housing Allowance, most of their benefits are swallowed up by rent, and they aren’t left with much to survive on for the rest of the month.
Contrasting Christmas cheer and crisis
Gail Porter, who was forced into homelessness in the mid-00s, has joined Single Homeless Project at the ‘Home for Good’ installation to talk about why she is supporting the campaign. She said:
“Christmas is a time for being around friends and loved ones, sharing festive cheer. I know first-hand that for many people experiencing homelessness, it’s one of the loneliest times of the year. Everyone deserves a safe and cosy place to call home, so please help a fellow Londoner today. You can make a difference—whether it be donating, volunteering, calling for help in an emergency or even just a smile from a friendly face—it all goes a long way.”
The installation, an ‘Insta-worthy’ festive sitting room with a tree, armchair, and warm throws, sits on a drab London street. Beside the cosy scene lies a tired-looking tent and sleeping bag—starkly contrasting the bleak living conditions for Londoners forced to sleep on the streets with the joyful decor many of us associate with our homes in December.
Liz Rutherfoord, Chief Executive at Single Homeless Project, adds:
“In the time it takes to fill a Christmas stocking, one Londoner is forced into homelessness. That is inexcusable for one of the world’s richest cities, and the Government should take action. Local Housing Allowance has not increased since 2019, while London’s rent has skyrocketed. This means people are left with very little to survive on after rent. We need an urgent increase in Local Housing Allowance and a proportionate rise in the benefit cap to give Londoners a fair chance and stop thousands more from being forced into homelessness. Everyone deserves a place to call home, for good.”
Boxing out of homelessness
Charlotte, 41, from North London, previously faced homelessness. With the help of Single Homeless Project, she now has her own flat, is a personal trainer, and runs boxing and self-defence classes for women experiencing homelessness. She said:
“I know what it’s like when you’re staring at those unpaid bills. I wondered how on earth I would pay them. It’s a dark place to be, and the daily threat of homelessness severely affects your mental health. Should the government help people stay in their homes by giving them a fair chance to make ends meet? Because what’s the alternative?”
Single Homeless Project has written guidance on how to help homeless people this winter. It has tips on how to help someone rough sleeping during the cold, volunteering options, and what to do if you’re asked for money on the tube.
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