Are you feeling festive yet? Maybe just a little? I went into town this morning. The shops were in full seasonal flow with sumptuous displays and christmas music, the council workmen were out hanging lights and putting up trees and there was a general bustle in the air. In amongst this bustle, I saw several homeless people and I wondered, as I often do, how those people must feel, living on the streets, watching the craziness that is the run up to Christmas.
I can’t imagine not having a home. The concept of homelessness is almost too big for me to contemplate. The idea of not having somewhere safe and warm to go to when you’ve had enough of the outside world is just wrong. But, of course, it’s a reality for some. Did you know that every two minutes someone in Britain faces losing their home. That means 630 people will be threatened with homelessness every day between now and Christmas.
Homeless charity Shelter is a place where people can turn if they find themselves in such a situation. They offer advice on a range of matters, including homelessness, repossession and eviction. They also campaign for better housing and against homelessness (visit their website and sign one of their petitions) and, of course, they raise money.
This year, there are lots of ways you can support Shelter. Buying your cards and gift wrap from their online shop is a great way to give money and raise awareness or how about visiting www.housebling.org.uk and using Google street view to ‘bling’ up your house with Christmas lights and sparkle? Alternatively, you can use Santacam to create a personalised message from Santa for your children.
These are all great ways to support a fantastic charity at a needy time of year.
