With the weather getting wet, temperatures dropping and Christmas just around the corner for many homeless people staying warm and enjoying the festivities is a challenge.
Birmingham’s homeless population could be facing some potentially freezing nights which can increase rough sleepers developing frostbite and hypothermia.
There are several charities around Birmingham which can make their lives a little easier and ways to help and get involved to make a difference this month and beyond.
Start a conversation with them not all homeless people want money they just may need someone to speak to. This maybe to get help and support in finding somewhere to stay, where they can get help finding a job.
They say donating to a homeless charity, engaging rough sleepers in conversation or volunteering time are other ways of providing support.
Another option is to contact StreetLink, which helps refer the homeless to relevant agencies, allowing them to find shelter and comfort. They operate across England and Wales, so you can get in touch with them about rough sleepers.
You can contact them on their 24-hour hotline on 0300 500 0914 or find them on www.streetlink.org.uk.
There are many charities in and around the Midlands that you can contact and get involved and volunteer a bit of your time in the evenings or weekends.
You can also donate clothing or food bags which will then be given to the homeless a charity called ‘Let’s Feed Brum’ is a campaign which was set up to bring the people of Birmingham together and help those in need. You can get involved by donating food which will be served at the New Street Soup Kitchen, every night to the city’s homeless. Or you can volunteer and get involved by going and serving the meals to the homeless on the night. You can alternatively drop clothes, sleeping bags and warm materials to Itihaas restaurant on Fleet Street.
To find out more about the charity and how to get involved contact www.letsfeedbrum.com
Another organisation that takes to the streets serving hot meals is Midland Langar Seva Society they are located at Carrs Lane in Birmingham City Centre from 6.30pm onwards. In one evening, they feed over 200 homeless a day and are out every day of the week. If you don’t have time to volunteer, MLSS have also launched a shoebox campaign and are asking people to donate boxes containing toiletries, thermals and treats.
To find out more contact www.Midland.Langar.Seva.Society@outlook.com
Homeless Heroes another organisation that you can volunteer too, they are more than just a soup kitchen who look to build and dedicate their time in making a change. They will also go out to the streets and serve hot drinks and food.
To find our more contact http://homelesshero.org/
Let’s make a difference and help by doing a little!
