Cold weather and homelessness: How you can help

Homelessness is a devastating experience at any time of year but extreme weather can make rough sleeping particularly hazardous. It is hard to imagine what it would be like to be faced with sleeping outside in the temperatures that Leicester has experienced this week. With freezing conditions set to continue for the coming days, we wanted to let you know how you can help.

As a local homelessness charity, we have put in place some additional measures to avoid anyone having to sleep rough in these conditions.

Here is what we’re doing…

  • We’re working with the Local Authority and our partners to provide extra emergency beds throughout the winter months. In severe weather, we look to maximise any space we have to provide extra bed spaces which can be accessed by people who have nowhere safe and warm to sleep.
  • We’re opening up our Community Lounge during the week. It is a warm and welcoming space where people can come for hot drinks, snacks and to relax. There is a TV, boardgames, newspapers and puzzles. People can also get help and advice on issues relating to housing and homelessness.
  • We’re providing warm packs to people experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. We offer things like hats, scarves, gloves, thick socks and blankets which help to keep people warm when they are out and about.

What can you do to help?

We know it can be difficult to know what to do if you are worried about someone who is experiencing homelessness, especially in very cold temperatures, but there are ways that you can help…

  • If you’ve seen someone who you think is sleeping rough, please send a Street Link alert to connect them with local services. You can do this via the Street Link website and it only takes a few minutes. Your alert will be sent to local Outreach teams who can then look for the person and offer them suitable support.
  • Make a donation to Action Homeless, as your local homelessness charity, we need your help so that we can continue to be there and offer a warm welcome to people who are experiencing homelessness in Leicester. You can donate any amount easily online at any time: https://actionhomeless.enthuse.com/profile