Step inside one of Crisis’s centres over the Christmas period and you might be surprised by what you see – and how it makes you feel. Although there’s no ignoring the devastating events that have pushed people into homelessness, inside the day centres there’s a magical festive buzz in the air. Here, away from the streets, guests are greeted with friendly smiles and plenty of people to happily lend an ear.
Inside these festively decorated hubs, guests have access to hot showers, freshly cooked meals and access to a warm space. There’s also endless services available – from haircuts to massages, the chance to see an optician or podiatrist, rounds of cups of tea and coffee, and films to watch on a big screen. “There’s people chatting away, or making arts and crafts. You can always hear lots of laughter,” says Alice Midgley, resources manager at Crisis.
At the centres, guests also have access to one-to-one advice and support services, helping them with everything from housing to immigration. But it’s not just the logistics that Crisis takes care of. Over the Christmas period, there’s always plenty of festive fun to be had, too – whether it’s bingo, karaoke or football.
A key focus once again for Crisis this year (and a positive outcome from the pandemic, when 475 hotel rooms were secured for people sleeping rough in London so they could self-isolate) is housing guests in hotels for several weeks over the Christmas period, during which time they’ll have their own private bedroom and bathroom, meals delivered to them, and a new set of clothes to change into. There’s plenty of personal touches, too – Crisis makes sure guests wake up on Christmas Day to a personalised Christmas card and a gift.
“The hotels really do result in getting people off the streets for good,” says Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, adding that last year rough sleeping in London fell during the time Crisis housed people experiencing homelessness in hotel rooms. “During this period, we deliver direct support to people, some of whom have complex needs. A case worker is assigned to each person and makes sure they have some form of accommodation rather than sleeping on the streets, plus a recovery plan. Crisis at Christmas is a really good starting point for rescuing people from the disaster of rough sleeping, and helping to stop homelessness.”
Donations are crucial to the Crisis at Christmas operation, as are the volunteers who give up their time to help cater for the thousands of guests who come through the doors. Last year, Crisis at Christmas says it served up 40,500 meals, housed more than 500 guests, and saw nearly 400 people access its support services. Thanks to the charity, more than 300 people saw their housing situation improve directly after the festive season.
But Midgley says it’s a huge and complex operation to organise. “As soon as Christmas is over, we’re already working on the next one.” The benefit of the donations stretch far beyond the Christmas period. “The money is also spent on what we deliver all year round such as our specialist teams who help with employment, mental health and immigration support,” says Downie.
Of course, Crisis couldn’t do it without the hard work of almost 2,000 volunteers who give up their Christmases to help out. Safiyyah Gareeboo, 28, who lives in London, has volunteered twice in the sewing and alterations service, helping repair rips in guests’ bags, patching up jeans, and taking up hems. “It really feels like a community effort,” says Gareeboo. “I loved how organised it was and it felt really satisfying to help guests. I particularly remember one guy who was starting a new job and needed the hem taken up on his trousers. Afterwards, he was so happy to see the way his clothes fitted him properly.”
Gareeboo now volunteers at Crisis’s Peckham store in London, mending clothes and teaching at Stitch & Fix get-togethers, when people come to the shop to help repair donated goods or learn how to mend their own stuff. “I miss Crisis at Christmas as I now spend Christmas with my partner’s family in Scotland, so I decided to volunteer at one of the stores [instead]. It’s wonderful to be able to help out again.”
Homelessness includes not just rough sleepers, but those who are sofa-surfing and people living in temporary accommodation. With the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on people, Crisis at Christmas is more important than ever. “Councils are saying they’ve never seen so many people come to them as now. Rent is going up at the fastest rate in 16 years and inflation has shot up. People are rapidly running out of options,” says Downie.
But Crisis at Christmas can really offer a bright beacon of hope. “So many guests come along and with our help they’ve found homes,” says Midgley. “Many even return as volunteers as they want to give back. It restores faith in humanity to see people willing to give up their Christmas and make a difference.”
If you’re interested in ending homelessness by volunteering, campaigning, fundraising or making a donation to Crisis, and want to find out more, visit crisis.org.uk
