Thousands homeless in Hampshire this Christmas

Over 3,500 people across Hampshire and surrounding counties will be homeless this Christmas.

The figures from the housing charity Shelter also include children.

Its research has found that 2,000 people in Portsmouth and Southampton alone don't have a permanent roof over their heads. 

Shelter, a UK-based housing and homelessness charity, plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable people during Christmas, a time when the need for assistance often peaks. Here's how Shelter helps during the festive season:

1. Emergency Housing Support:

   • Helpline and Advice Services: Shelter operates a free, 24/7 emergency helpline for people at risk of homelessness. Specially trained advisers provide guidance on housing rights, emergency accommodation, and how to access support.
   • Legal Advice: Shelter offers legal advice to people facing eviction or housing-related legal issues, helping them avoid homelessness.

2. Preventing Evictions:

   • Tenant Support: They help renters who are struggling with rent payments or facing eviction, offering advice on negotiating with landlords or applying for housing benefits.
   • Challenging Illegal Evictions: Shelter intervenes in cases where landlords have unlawfully evicted tenants, helping them secure their legal rights to remain in their homes.

3. Providing Temporary Accommodation:

   • Emergency Shelter Referrals: Shelter works with local councils and partner organizations to find temporary housing for people who have been made homeless, including families with children.
   • Homelessness Outreach: Shelter supports rough sleepers by connecting them with services that can provide warm beds, food, and support.

4. Supporting Families and Children:

   • Special Support for Families: Shelter provides additional help to families with children, ensuring they have access to emergency accommodation and are not forced to spend Christmas in unsafe or unsuitable housing.
   • Child Wellbeing Support: Shelter helps children affected by homelessness access education, toys, and support to reduce the psychological impact of living in temporary housing.

5. Raising Awareness and Advocacy:

   • Campaigning for Change: Shelter highlights the urgent need for affordable housing, urging the government to take action on the housing crisis.
   • Public Awareness Campaigns: Christmas is a key time for Shelter's fundraising efforts, with advertising campaigns aimed at raising money to support their year-round services.

6. Fundraising and Community Engagement:

   • Christmas Appeals: Shelter runs fundraising campaigns encouraging the public to donate to support their work. Contributions help fund emergency helplines, housing advice, and other vital services.
   • Corporate and Community Events: Businesses, schools, and local groups often organize Christmas fundraising activities, such as charity runs or Christmas jumper days, to support Shelter's work.

By addressing both the immediate and long-term causes of homelessness, Shelter offers vital assistance to those in need, ensuring that more people have a safe, secure place to call home during the festive season.