How you can help the homeless in Kent this winter

Many cannot afford the luxuries that the average person can. With the cost of living also rising, the number of homeless people in Kent is higher than ever with 2423 households in Kent homeless or at risk of being homeless – a 7% increase from 2021. Here are ways that you can help those who are unfortunate this Christmas.

 

Catching Lives

This is an independent charity aimed at supporting the homeless in Canterbury. This is targeted at those who have fallen in society. As well as making them feel as if they have nowhere else to go and confide in.

It is the twelfth year which Catching Lives has been operating. They are currently open for volunteers to aid them in cooking, keeping the guests entertained and take bedding to or from venues.

Catching Lives can be found here at press@catchinglives.org or 01227464904 and they are located at Open Centre, Station Road East, Canterbury CT1 2RB.

 

Crisis

Crisis offers one to one support as well as courses for the homeless in numerous areas in the UK. Donating to Crisis can give homeless people access to Christmas dinners, advice on housing, hairdressing, and opportunities to learn skills and participate in IT workshops.

You can donate at: Christmas Appeal 2022 | Donate to Crisis at Christmas | Crisis UK

 

Emmaus Dover

Emmaus in Dover offers a home and offers work to over 27 formerly homeless at the Archcliffe Community building in Dover. This gives them a safer place to reside in for as long as possible.

Emmaus supports the community by selling good second-hand furniture and goods at four charity shops – one in Canterbury.

To donate you can fill in this form : Donate goods – Dover (emmaus.org.uk)

 

Maidstone Churches winter shelter

Maidstone Churches winter shelter brings together churches, church members and volunteers in the area during hard times.

The shelter works by each of seven venues (six local churches as well as the Maidstone Day Centre) to provide overnight hospitality and accommodation, one night a week for up to 15 guests over a 12 week period during the coldest part of the winter.

The team are always looking for volunteers and you can apply here : Volunteer | Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter (maidstoneshelter.org.uk)

Photo Credit: Unsplash, Jon Tyson