Sarah Daly’s Post

❄️ The Struggles of Homelessness in Cold Weather ❄️ As the UK faces another harsh winter, many of our most vulnerable individuals are being forced to endure freezing temperatures on the streets. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated when temperatures drop to life-threatening levels, ensuring that shelters and support services are available for those who need them most. However, despite these efforts, rough sleepers continue to face severe challenges, particularly in regions with limited resources. Charities like The Salvation Army are working tirelessly to provide emergency shelter, hot food, and essential clothing, but these organisations can’t do it alone. Local communities also play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable individuals through these difficult times. If you see someone sleeping rough, please get in touch with services like StreetLink to connect them to vital support. At Unity Horizons CIC, we are committed to making a difference and offering assistance where we can. If you are looking for ways to get involved or need support in your area, get in contact with us. Together, we can help ensure that no one is left out in the cold. This winter, let’s stay vigilant and compassionate. Every act of kindness counts. #Homelessness #WinterSupport #Community #SocialImpact #UnityHorizons #CIC

Following an investigation into the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), the protocol triggered by local authorities during extreme weather, it was discovered that the number of deaths recorded in summer months exceeds those in winter due to extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. The report found only 53% of councils activated SWEP in summer months despite temperatures reaching up to 40°c. This highlights the urgent need for better support systems and the critical role of small homelessness charities in filling these gaps. Data sourced by the Museum of Homelessness' Severe Weather Emergency investigation (2023, https://bit.ly/45ER7Ch) #HomelessnessSupport #EndHomelessness #HomelessnessSupport #EndHomelessness

As someone deeply involved in property and housing, I can’t help but reflect on the disparities in housing access and availability.  Every day I see how housing isn’t just a physical structure - it’s a place where people feel secure, safe, and warm, especially at this time of year. Yet for many, this basic necessity is out of reach. In Rochford, Southend and beyond, homeless support charities do incredible and much-needed work, providing food, clothing and essential items and hope to those in need. It’s also worth pointing out that many of those experiencing homelessness are families and people in low income jobs who simply cannot manage during this cost-of-living crisis. Luckily for our community, there are many services available to help. - The One Love Project in Southend offers invaluable support to the homeless community, delivering meal services and a Food Bank to ensure those experiencing homelessness can get access to free and low cost food - HARP Southend provides housing to those who need it and currently offer accommodation to over 300 people experiencing homelessness at any given time - Trussell Trust Food Banks ensure families don’t go hungry, even when times are tough and have presence over the UK This season, it’s worth thinking about how you can contribute. Whether it’s through food or cash donations, spending a few hours volunteering, or simply raising awareness, every little helps as they say!   As I continue my work helping clients to navigate the land of lease extensions, I also want to create a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. #housing #realestate #homelessness

This week is homelessness week. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, every night, roughly 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe, secure or affordable place to sleep. Everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living including adequate food, water and housing and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. In 2021, a federal parliamentary inquiry highlighted three key areas for reform: 1. Prevention and early intervention, the “most effective and cost-efficient measures to address homelessness”. 2. “Housing First” approach, moving people experiencing long-term, chronic or recurring homelessness into supported housing as quickly as possible. 3. Reducing the shortfall in social and affordable housing. As an individual we can feel powerless against such a crisis, however there are many organisations fighting to support homeless people everyday. This week I am dedicated to finding ways to volunteer my time or resources to supporting this cause. See volunteer programs in Sydney if you’d like to get involved: https://lnkd.in/gQkbUrJ4 See more information: https://lnkd.in/gcERUwmV https://lnkd.in/gt_u385s

Shelter UK states that "homelessness has risen by 14% in just one year. Our new research shows at least 354,000 people are now homeless in England, up by over 44,000 in a year. This figure includes 161,500 children who will spend this winter without a home. What’s causing this rise? Record private rents combined with inadequate housing benefit, rising evictions and a lack of genuinely affordable social homes have all led to this soaring figure." To help support the most vulnerable in our local community, head to this link: #dorset #homeless #community #crisis #charity #health #vulnerable #healthcare #care #local #source #shelteruk

The Government have just released the latest Homelessness statistics and they don't make for good reading... We’ve reached yet another appalling milestone in the housing emergency. As thousands of children in England start their exams, government data published yesterday shows that a record-breaking 145,800 children are homeless in temporary accommodation with their families. This is a 15% increase in just one year. The figures for England show: A total of 112,660 households were homeless and living in temporary accommodation at the end of 2023 – another record-high figure and up 12% in a year. Known as core homelessness, it includes rough sleeping, people living in sheds, garages and other unconventional buildings, sofa surfing, hostels and unsuitable temporary accommodation such as B&Bs. A record 145,800 children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation with their families – an increase of 19,460 in a year These figures are not just high, they’re unprecedented. There have never been this many households stuck in temporary accommodation before. Temporary accommodation was never intended to exist outside of emergencies. *Homelessness is devastating, dangerous and isolating. *The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women. *People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence. More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence whilst homeless. *People experiencing homelessness are over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population. This why The Ark is so important and will only become more needed over the next few months/years with your help The Ark will still be here helping the vulnerable people in our community. You can donate to help us here https://lnkd.in/euWsmmx4

In 2023, according to research from a housing charity Shelter, at least over 300,000 people in England spent Christmas without a home. The number includes almost 140,000 children. The research also reveals that 1 in 182 people in England are #homeless, and #homelessness continues to rise in the UK. These numbers tell a disturbing tale. The #housingcrisis has left hundreds of thousands of people at the mercy of the streets or having to settle for temporary accommodation or hostels and supported accommodation. Further, homelessness seriously impacts the physical and #mentalhealth of the affected, with the majority reporting some form of mental health issue or physical health problem due to the lack of privacy and a safe place to sleep. Since 2022, we have been working with top UK housing charities, like Shelter and the Single Homeless Project, to combat #sleeppoverty. From old cotton we’re able to provide roll mats made with recycled cotton to people at risk of homelessness and those in difficult conditions as part of their essential items when they move into a hostel or receive a new home kit, ensuring they get a good night's sleep. You can help the cause and easily play a role in helping people and families suffering from homelessness by sending your old, worn-out, and no longer needed #cotton garments and textiles our way. Don’t let your old cotton load up the landfills. Visit https://lnkd.in/eYh7HQ4i to learn how you can make a difference by #recycling your old, cotton tees, jeans, other clothes and home textiles.

The Government have just released the latest Homelessness statistics and they don't make for good reading... We’ve reached yet another appalling milestone in the housing emergency. As thousands of children in England start their exams, government data published yesterday shows that a record-breaking 145,800 children are homeless in temporary accommodation with their families. This is a 15% increase in just one year. The figures for England show: A total of 112,660 households were homeless and living in temporary accommodation at the end of 2023 – another record-high figure and up 12% in a year. Known as core homelessness, it includes rough sleeping, people living in sheds, garages and other unconventional buildings, sofa surfing, hostels and unsuitable temporary accommodation such as B&Bs. A record 145,800 children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation with their families – an increase of 19,460 in a year These figures are not just high, they’re unprecedented. There have never been this many households stuck in temporary accommodation before. Temporary accommodation was never intended to exist outside of emergencies. *Homelessness is devastating, dangerous and isolating. *The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women. *People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence. More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence whilst homeless. *People experiencing homelessness are over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population. This why The Ark is so important and will only become more needed over the next few months/years with your help The Ark will still be here helping the vulnerable people in our community. You can donate to help us here https://lnkd.in/edFfKav7

Homelessness affects countless individuals, and the reasons behind it are often complex – from financial hardships to systemic inequalities. As we prepare for the festive season, it's important to remember that tens of thousands of people in the UK will be spending this Christmas without a home. Last year, a report from Shelter found that in England alone, 280,000 people were sleeping rough or staying in temporary housing and hostels on Christmas Day. Whether it’s donating food and money to food banks or volunteering at your local charity, there are lots of ways you can make a difference to those experiencing homelessness, both during the festive season and beyond. This sentiment is further highlighted by yesterday’s Human Rights Day, which serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in the world. Together, we can raise awareness, inspire action, and make a difference. For more info: https://heyor.ca/MXl3KE #HomelessnessAwareness #EndHomelessness #SupportTheHomeless #HomelessnessCrisis #HumanRightsDay