What is Crisis at Christmas?
Crisis at Christmas is a charity appeal that helps us provide warm meals, shelter, support and companionship at Christmas to those experiencing homelessness. More than that, the impact of Crisis at Christmas lasts long after Christmas as guests are introduced to Crisis’ year-round services.
Over the years, we have adapted our Christmas services based on evidence of what works to provide more intensive support to people experiencing the most extreme and isolating form of homelessness – those rough sleeping – to help them take the first steps out of homelessness.
What did Crisis at Christmas 2023 involve?
Last Christmas, we provided over 6,600 people with support. This was made possible by an incredible team of over 3,600 volunteers, who came together to provide a lifeline to those facing homelessness over the festive period.
We provided hotel accommodation to 578 people, who would otherwise have been sleeping rough in London and we supported thousands more people in insecure accommodation across England, Wales and Scotland, providing warmth, companionship, food and advice.
This year the demand for our services was extremely high. This is against a context of rising homelessness, with over 250,000 households in Britain experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including spending night after night on friends’ and families’ sofas, stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation like nightly paid B&B’s, or sleeping on the streets.
Thanks to our supporters, we work with people every day of the year to support them on their journeys out of homelessness. We know that with the right support, at the right time, thousands of people can start building their lives beyond homelessness.
Where are the Crisis at Christmas locations in London?
In 2023, as well as the three Crisis hotels we opened day centres across London on 21 December. Our Christmas day centres in the capital provided 2,648 people with warmth, food, advice and dedicated support to help them on their journeys out of homelessness.
Many services are closed during the Christmas week, so Crisis can offer a vital lifeline to people on the brink or experiencing homelessness.
What about Crisis at Christmas in other regions of Great Britain?
Last Christmas, we provided ongoing support and advice, health and wellbeing services and food to 3,460 people across England, Wales and Scotland through our Crisis Skylight centres.
Through specialist one-to-one advice, and support with housing, employment and wellbeing, we help people start their life beyond homelessness.
Services and activities:
• Hot meals/Christmas lunch/snacks (centre dependent)
• Hotel accommodation for those most in need
• Year-round support, including training and education
• Companionship and support from volunteers
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Internet access and support to get online
• Busy activities programme including creative sessions, football games, yoga and more
• Advice and support from Crisis caseworkers to leave homelessness behind for good
How can I support Crisis at Christmas?
There are many ways you can support Crisis at Christmas - you can donate, volunteer, or fundraise.
Find out more about ways to help people facing homelessness at Christmas.