Every year the team at Kids Just Recycle save up all your donated sleeping bags to help our Charity Partner HandsOn London with their winter homeless project WrapUp London.
Homelessness in most cases is not a choice.
Circumstances beyond a person’s control can put them at a disadvantage such as poverty, neglect, abuse, unemployment, substance mis-use, medical issues, disability and mental illness.
Whilst there may be shelters available during the colder months, our homeless community have to register to use these facilities and not everyone will get a place. It is not uncommon to see homeless people in shop doorways, park benches or any other public place where they can shelter from the weather and try to stay safe and warm.
According to the UK charity Shelter, there are at least:
- 271,000 people who are homeless in England today; this figure includes 123,000 children
- 1 person in 208 is without a home
- 2,400 of these people sleep rough
- 15,000 are in supported accommodation/hostels
- The number of people living in temporary accommodation has risen by 74% in the last decade due to a shortage of affordable housing
- 63% say that living in temporary accommodation has had a negative impact on their mental health
- 51% say that it has had a negative impact on their physical health
- 39% say that living in temporary accommodation has made it harder to access healthcare appointments
That’s why we are encouraging our Kids Just Recycle supporters to save their sleeping bags and warm coats because these items are so incredibly important and could save a life. When we have collected enough we will deliver them to the WrapUp London HQ where there will begin distribution.
WrapUp London are so proud of their achievements and lasting connections working with 2,600 partner charities and community groups including homeless, outdoor and mental health organisations. 158,000 warm coats were collected and distributed as part of the WrapUp London campaign in 2022 and they are now preparing for their 2023 campaign which opens in September.
We don’t just stop at sleeping bags and coats
Since August 2018, we have also been delivering generous donations of new underwear and essential toiletries to help London’s homeless community. We have been instrumental in collecting and delivering clothing donations from supporters which we then deliver all across the country to the people who need them most.
Our Kids Just Recycle team are on hand to start collection warm coats, sleeping bags, new underwear and toiletries so that no homeless person is without some form of warmth and dignity this coming winter.
The tiniest donation can turn into a big deal for people who have very little.
Blog written by www.wendyjenningscreative.co.uk