‘No Place Like Home’ calls on individuals and businesses to help local community projects

Social platform Neighbourly, which connects businesses and individuals with charities and community projects, has launched a new campaign aimed at helping anyone with no place to call home this Christmas, from those sleeping rough to those being provided for by foodbanks, temporary shelters or refuges.

“No Place Like Home will provide a platform for more than 50 charities and projects across the UK”, enabling them to reach local individuals who want to help. The requests for support range from funding for food items, warm clothing and sleeping bags and tents, as well as bags for belongings, toys and board games.

Homelessness is currently at its highest rate since the 1990s, and local organisations (many of which are run by volunteers) are being forced to do more with their dwindling resources. Further pressure is being exerted because of local council cuts and less funding for homeless organisations, as well as cuts to mental health provision which has also led to a rise in homelessness. No Place Like Home brings charities and community projects together in one place so individuals and companies can contribute.

“Having a safe place to call home enables us to focus on our wellbeing, employment and social lives, but homelessness (or the threat of it) can happen all too quickly and easily,” commented Nick Davies, founder of Neighbourly. “What has hit hardest is the reduction of support for local authorities, meaning that councils have had to cut back on support for those working with the most dispossessed. This campaign aims to support projects delivering essential services to people who, for whatever reason, need emergency support from a local charity.”