Glass Door Homeless Charity, the London-based homeless charity and the UK’s largest provider of open-access emergency night shelters has released a poignant new film, “Homelessness Can Happen to Any of Us”, narrated by the esteemed actor Colin Firth, as part of its ‘Winter Appeal’.
This year’s appeal is raising funds to continue its work providing emergency winter night shelter and year-round advice and support for those experiencing homelessness. The film brings to light the real stories behind the statistics and is available to:
https://www.glassdoor.org.uk/News/homelessness-can-happen-to-any-of-us
Homelessness in London has reached alarming levels and Glass Door has seen a sharp increase in demand for its front-line services. In the first ten days of opening its winter night shelters, over 500 people registered for shelter, which represents an 81% increase in referrals compared to the same period last winter. 87% of people registering for a place to shelter said they had previously been sleeping rough, while the remainder were sleeping on buses, staying with friends and living in precarious situations. Glass Door’s appeal emphasises the urgency of this situation. The charity is calling on the public to support its critical work by making donations to the Glass Door Winter Appeal.
“The number of people experiencing homelessness in London is more than alarming – it’s a crisis that reflects a perfect storm of contributing factors,” says Jo Carter, Chief Executive Officer of Glass Door Homeless Charity. “The surge in applications to our winter shelters starkly highlights the multitude of challenges people face, from navigating complex bureaucratic systems to the sheer scarcity of safe, affordable housing. The fundamental human right to shelter is being compromised, and this is unacceptable. At Glass Door, we don’t just see numbers; we see individuals – each with a unique story, struggles, and the right to a safe, dignified life. Please consider making a donation to Glass Door Homeless Charity this winter – your contribution will help those who turn to Glass Door for support. Together we can end someone’s nightmare of homelessness.”
The film narrated by Colin Firth highlights the diverse and often heartbreaking stories of those facing homelessness – from families struggling with rent increases to individuals fleeing unsafe conditions. These stories highlight the harsh realities of homelessness and the critical role of Glass Door in providing support and solutions. Speaking about his support of Glass Door Homeless Charity, Colin Firth said “I am pleased to support Glass Door Homeless Charity, and this film highlights the simple fact that homelessness can happen to anyone, and the reality is that someone you know might be facing homelessness. Having a roof over our heads is not a privilege it is a human right. We should all have a safe place to call home.”
This winter, Glass Door Homeless Charity is asking for donations and for people to follow Glass Door Homeless Charity on social media to collectively acknowledge the severity of the homelessness crisis. Every contribution can help provide essential services, from emergency shelters offering a warm meal and a safe place to sleep, to year-round casework that supports individuals in securing a permanent pathway out of homelessness.
· £34 could provide some one with safe shelter, a hot evening meal and breakfast for a night;
· £105 could provide 10 new guests with an initial advice session from a Caseworker at one of Glass Door’s partner day centres;
· £234 could fund a ‘move-on’ package with personalised support sessions and a deposit top-up to help someone move into stable accommodation.
To make a donation and be part of the solution, please visit Glass Door Winter Appeal.
