The rising cost of living crisis: our response
As a charity we are well placed to meet the needs of individuals impacted by economic and social change. Throughout the pandemic we saw a huge increase in need, helping more individuals annually than ever before. We're very aware that the need for help will only continue to increase over the next few months, as individuals struggle to pay for their basic bills. We are expecting this increase not only because many will struggle with the increases in energy and food, but also due to many people finding themselves without savings to pay for unexpected items such as a broken washing machine or clothes for a growing child.
Therefore, we are responding by being prepared to help as many people as we're able during this time through the needs on our website. We will be encouraging donors to give towards the individual requests on our website, but we are also running a specific appeal through Stewardship. You can read more about these at the end of this blog.
We are hoping that through our network of churches and local charities we will continue to be able to provide a valuable resource as they meet the ever-increasing need in their communities. We are getting daily requests for help, which tell the story of individuals who are being affected by the rising costs. Here are just a few examples:
R, a young mum to two small children, has come to us in desperate need of support for gas, electric and food. She is using a Foodbank on a daily basis, but is really struggling with anxiety and depression. R is trying her best to keep her head above water, but with the rising costs and being on a low income, she feels she is failing. If we could just give her some breathing space from the cost of living, to help with her mental well-being, this would be greatly appreciated.
M is currently being supported by the local Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre. She has made significant strides forward in managing her money and dealing with debt that has caused her to struggle for some time. However, with the cost of living rising she has found it really difficult to put any money away, leaving her stuck when needing to replace her fridge freezer.
This request is for a school uniform for a single parent who cares for two daughters and is a Kinship Carer with parental responsibility for her grandson. The cost of living crisis is hitting really hard as the children get older and the cost of their clothes increases. Her grandson is starting secondary school this September and she desperately wants to provide the uniform he needs, so he isn't different to his peers.
The good news is that Acts 435, alongside our fantastic supporters and donors can help to meet these specific needs of this grandmother and R and M! All individuals who are feeling 'stuck' and anxious. These three requests for help specifically mention the rising cost of living. However, we're aware that it is affecting most people in one way or another, meaning that all of the requests on our website will support an individual or a family who are struggling during this crisis.
As well as supporting our churches and local charities who partner with us we're also continuing to connect with our key partners who are also helping to tackle this emergency. In this way we hope to be able to help further during this crisis, and meet the needs of more individuals than ever before.
If you are able to give directly to an individual or family, please do take a look at all the needs posted on our website. However, we want to provide as much support as we can to individuals who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and particularly those who are immediately affected by the increase in fuel costs taking place in October. Therefore we have created a fundraiser with Stewardship and funds raised through this will go to the direct needs of individuals who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and especially those who find themselves in fuel poverty. Each family or individual will be someone known to be in need by our partner churches and charities. Initially they will go directly to meet the needs on our website. However, if funds exceed this we may seek to help other individuals who are known to our partners to be in need.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 7 days
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
K, an asylum seeker who arrived in our area three months ago having left his family in Kuwait, receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, English communication sessions, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. K needs help to buy a refurbished laptop as he wants to strengthen his English language skills.
£190 needed for a laptop
M is an ex-gambling addict who is rebuilding his life after experiencing destitution and rough sleeping. He is living in homeless accommodation, and gives regular talks and support to people still suffering from addiction. M wants a laptop so he can start studying, learning, and applying for jobs. He wants to work in a role where he can help people, and eventually set up a gambling support line for people like himself.
£195 needed for the supply and fitting of carpets for hall, stairs and landing
This family has recently moved into a new home after spending a period in temporary accommodation. Their income is limited as the father is actively seeking employment. They are learning to manage their finances carefully while repaying some small debts through an agreed plan. The family is receiving support as they work towards greater stability. They need carpeting especially as their baby is now crawling and beginning to take their first steps. Praying that our generous donors can help
£170 needed for a mattress
This single mum with a 9 year old daughter, living in rented social housing, suffers from multiple physical and mental health problems including muscular skeletal issues. She lives on Universal Credit and child benefit (not currently getting Personal Independence Payments). Christians Against Poverty are putting a debt plan together for multiple debts and she has no savings. The springs are going in her current king size mattress and she needs £170 to replace it with one that will help her be more comfortable
£200 needed for a garden table and chairs
After three years of homelessness and living in temporary accommodation, J and her three children have finally moved into a permanent home. With support from others she has worked hard to make it feel like home but cannot afford outdoor furniture. Living with a long-term health condition and caring for a son with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, J would greatly benefit from a garden table and chairs, creating a safe space for play, family time and rest as they begin this new chapter and build lasting happy memories together.
£145 needed for attendance at summer camp
SVP Leeds central council run a summer camp for young people in school years 4-7. This gives the opportunity for single parents to have a break or children to have a holiday that would be otherwise unaffordable. D, her older sibling, and mother have fled an abusive relationship. This obviously leaves a single parent household in these challenging financial times. Funding this trip would give the young person a much needed break with people of her own age, and breathing space for the whole family.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
A, her husband and three children have been living in overcrowded temporary accommodation for eight years. They have been offered permanent accommodation and have just moved - however they have no furniture or appliances at all as their temporary accommodation was already furnished. They are all currently sleeping on the floor and would appreciate your support in purchasing beds. Dad works as a taxi driver but is on a low income and they receive Universal Credit.
£200 needed for a washing machine
S is mum to a young daughter and baby son. She has experienced a very difficult time in the past six months, including a very difficult relationship break up, and mental health issues which she is being supported through. Recently her washing machine broke beyond repair, which has left her washing all of the family's clothes by hand. A washing machine would significantly ease the burden of hand washing the family's clothes and bedding and be really appreciated.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L has been staying in a hostel, after being homeless. She is now ready to move into her own accommodation and is looking forward to managing her own tenancy. L has managed to buy a few bits of furniture and household items, but she has a very low income so hasn't been able to buy much. In particular, she can't afford a washing machine. Your help to buy one would mean she could keep her limited clothes and bedding clean without having to hand wash them - she can't afford a launderette either.