HOMELINK’s 2023 Christmas Appeal will raise funds for its small grants programme, which helps people moving into a new home with the cost of essential household items.
Those who have recently escaped homelessness often find themselves housed in properties without floor coverings, furniture or white goods, and unable to afford such items themselves.
Our grants programme has been inundated with referrals this year, with the number of applications far exceeding that for 2022.
‘Often people have few or almost no possessions when they are initially housed in flats and houses, with nothing on the floor, no blinds or curtains, no beds or bedding and nothing to cook with or to keep food cold,’ says HOMELINK’s Lead Small Grants Administrator, Gill Short.
‘The individuals and families we support have faced considerable hardship following domestic abuse, relationship breakdowns, disability and physical or mental illness. It can be very traumatic for them to have finally secured a roof over their head only to find themselves without the essentials to make it into a home.’
During the cost of living crisis, HOMELINK has been able to expand the support it offers to clients through its small grants scheme. However, the level of need has proved so great that our funds are now depleted.
‘As we move into the coldest time of year, we are reaching out to our supporters and the local community so that we can continue to help those in desperate need,’ says Gill.
To support HOMELINK’s Christmas appeal, please visit our JustGiving page.