Liverpool homeless charity The Whitechapel Centre has launched it’s Christmas appeal and is asking people to give generously.
This comes at a time when Liverpool City Council reports the shocking news that 1,245 households are now in temporary accommodation, while the number of long-term rough sleepers has risen by more than 40% in the last two years.
The Whitechapel Centre works with people affected by homelessness across the whole of Liverpool city region, encompassing everything from prevention to housing people, right through to street outreach with those sleeping rough. Last year they responded to over 22,000 calls via its Always Help Available phone line.
A young person who was supported by The Whitechapel Centre said:
“I will never forget all the times you were there for me when no one else was. At the end of the day you saved my life and I will be forever grateful for that.”
Fundraising Manager Ruth McCaughley explained:
“This Christmas, for anyone who is rough sleeping we’ll be offering a warm safe space, a gift and a cooked Christmas dinner. We’ll also be distributing gifts and Christmas treats to over 900 clients around the city. For many, this will be their first Christmas without their own home. We can only do this because of the donations we receive so we’re asking the kind people of Liverpool to help those who find themselves homeless this Christmas.”
Here is how you can help:
-Drop off items for Christmas gifts – see Wish List
-Donate money
-Buy Christmas cards
-Send virtual gifts
For all these options please check out the website here.
Always help AvailableIf you’re worried about someone you’ve seen sleeping rough in Liverpool call 0300 123 2041 (low cost).
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