Give just five pounds this Christmas
"Thank you so much for the money, it means the absolute world to me to be able to feed my three children and get them a few bits for Christmas. This time of year is so hard, especially with electricity and gas bills, so your kindness and generosity mean everything. Thank you so much, C."
We're aware that for many this winter turning the heating or hot water on will feel like a luxury and for others simply won't be able to afford it. But, what do those in that position do when their washing machine breaks, or their child grows out of their school shoes?
Last year, before the cost of living crisis really began, many sources reported that a fifth of UK adults had less than £250 in savings (Yorkshire Building Society, Joseph Rowntree Trust). This winter it is likely that those who are struggling will have little or no savings to see them through a crisis, a broken appliance or to just simply turn the heating on.
This impact will be felt more widely than ever; not just those on the lowest incomes will feel the squeeze this year - and we're anticipating the need for one-off financial help to increase. You can read more about our reflections on this here.
We're also aware, as Jenny highlights in her video below, that while those on lower incomes will be hit hardest, that actually many of us are also feeling the squeeze due to the increasing living costs in the UK.
Therefore, this Christmas, we're asking if you can join in with a community of other donors to support those most in need, and give #justfivepounds. If many of us give just five pounds, together with donations from others, we will help to lift a burden and bring hope to an individual, or family, this Christmas.
To give#justfivepounds to a need take a look at the ones below, or look at the other ones on our website: acts435.org.uk/needs
"Hi everyone, I write this letter with great joy and pleasure. Your kind generous donations have placed a wonderful fridge freezer in my kitchen for this coming Christmas and New Year. You have also given me trust in humanity. Words cannot express my gratitude to wonderful people whom I have never met. You are wonderful and I do thank you and applaud you all. It now leaves me to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful Christmas and a spectacular New Year. You have made mine! Thank you and respect to you all, R."
'W' said thank you so much to all concerned for help with his bills over Christmas. He has all of his children living with him now and is safe and settled and your help has eased his worries at this stressful time of year and has allowed them to enjoy their first Christmas.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 6 days
£200 needed for a living room carpet
Our client, J, was homeless and is now housed in a small flat. The living room has a bare concrete floor and they need a carpet for this, but are struggling to afford it. At the moment, they cannot work because they have mental health issues, and are having to manage on Personal Independence Payment and incapacity benefits. Having a decent carpet in the living room would make their flat feel much more like a home.
£200 needed for accommodation
This individual has recently been released from prison and his accommodation is currently unavailable. The processing period for securing accommodation is expected to take a few days. In the meantime, he remains street homeless and there is concern that staying on the streets may lead to a temptation to reoffend, due to living conditions. We are reaching out for your assistance in temporarily housing him for four nights in a bed and breakfast to provide time for a permanent solution to be arranged.
£200 needed for accommodation and a food parcel
This gentleman is seeking to leave a domestic violence situation with his partner, leaving him without a place to live. He has reached out to the St Vincent de Paul centre for assistance and we have initiated collaboration with our partner agencies specialising in domestic violence. We are urgently seeking your assistance to temporarily house this gentleman in a bed and breakfast for three nights and provide him with a food parcel whilst we engage the sister agency to arrange a more permanent housing solution for him.
£200 needed for accommodation and clothes
This gentleman was referred to the St Vincent de Paul centre by probation services and has been assessed as a medium-risk individual. We are urgently seeking your assistance to provide temporary housing for him for three nights in a bed and breakfast, and clothing. We are actively collaborating with permanent housing partners to organise suitable accommodation for him as soon as possible. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated.
£200 needed for accommodation
This lady came to the St Vincent de Paul centre after failing her weekly rehabilitation test for alcohol consumption. She was immediately expelled and given conditions to return the following week if she passes the test and remains clean to continue her rehabilitation. Believing in the importance of rehabilitation, we are reaching out for help to provide temporary housing for this young lady for four nights, away from the streets and temptation, to support her in staying clean and restarting her journey to recovery.
£200 needed for a housing deposit
H is currently facing financial constraints, due to his low income. Despite his best efforts, he has encountered challenges with his ID card and incurred expenses from legal fees to rectify mistakes on his identification document. H urgently requires your generosity to secure accommodation which will enable him to focus on improving his English skills and embark on a new chapter in his life. Your support with a housing deposit will empower him to pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth.
£200 needed for a housing deposit
A, who is a recently granted refugee with disabilities, has encountered significant challenges with his current housing situation. Although he has been offered accommodation, the property is not only in need of refurbishment, but also lacks adequate plumbing to support a washing machine, which the landlord does not approve. A is seeking to secure private accommodation and is in need of your kind support to make this transition possible, and ensure he has a suitable and safe place to call home.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This couple, who have a complex array of disabilities and medical conditions, are unable to work and are dependent on benefits. A decision on Personal Independence Payment entitlement is awaited. This couple have to travel over thirty miles by public transport to get to specialist hospitals for treatment. They are paying off rent arrears, have limited financial resources and we have provided Food Bank support. They need a washing machine and, with your kind donations, we want to help them.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This mum and her two young children have just moved home to flee from domestic abuse, and their home is over two hundred miles away. Mum has been provided with housing, but has very limited resources and we are providing Food Bank support. Mum needs a washing machine and, with your kind donations, we want to help.