Camden Safer Streets Team is asking London residents to help people who are sleeping rough on the streets of Camden this winter. At this time of year homeless people in the area will be bitterly cold, hungry and vulnerable. People who are homeless are three times more likely to die of pneumonia or hypothermia than the general population so the team’s work is particularly vital during the winter months.
The winter appeal asks local residents for a £10 gift that will go specifically to helping the support team find safe places for people to live, and to buy personal items for them such as clothing and toiletry items. Donations will also give someone a chance to reconnect with families or friends.
Craig came to the Camden Safer Streets Team in December. He said “Things have gone really well since I last saw you. I got to the council on time that day. Two weeks later I got a place in a hostel where I have managed to give up drugs and tomorrow I'm going to view a property, so things are going pretty well really. And thanks to you and your organisation that I was able to make a start” William said “I was always called by my name…a small thing maybe, but it made me feel as if I was more than just a statistic.”
Ian Bangay at Camden Safer Streets Team says: “Rough sleeping across the country is increasing with more and more people finding themselves homeless. This year In London it is expected that the rise will be about 20% over 2014. With resources being cut and numbers who have to sleep on the street increasing it is now more important than ever for everyone to help where they can.”
To donate, please visit the Camden Safer Streets Winter Appeal on the Just Giving website.
Read more information about the Camden Safer Streets team.