Christmas in 2020 may be a little different for most of us as the pandemic continues to affect us all. But to some it will continue, as in previous years to be a very difficult time. The homeless, vulnerable and people affected by poverty is when time drags, there are limited services open to help them and is often associated with painful memories they would prefer to forget.

Whilst a time of great joy for most of us, it can genuinely be a time of sadness, isolation, fear and regret for others and seeing people celebrate with friends and family often sparks memories that are hard to deal with so we would love you to be part of helping someone smile this Christmas.

The Hope Hub is committed to ending homelessness. Despite the increased challenges the pandemic has created in 2020 we have continued to work to support people in crisis throughout. All of our Clients face uncertain and difficult futures and our role, with your support is to help them navigate through supporting them to address debts, that eviction order, learn new essential skills to help prepare them to volunteer, train, get a qualification and support them into employment. Pre COVID-19, this journey was typically 6 months. This is now exacerbated of course and very uncertain times are ahead, but The Hope Hub intends to remain agile, flexible and true to our mission which is to help PREVENT and END homelessness in Surrey Heath.

Will you be part of that? Help us by donating now. Please donate as much as you can. Thank YOU.

Your donation this Christmas could help ensure everyone has

A place to stay

Essential food and festive treats

Phone and online 1:1 support from experienced Case Workers

Christmas activity packs including arts and crafts, games and quizzes

Health and wellbeing programmes throughout the year

Advice on housing, employment and benefits

Year-round support including training and education

The chance to leave homelessness behind for good.

Let's together put smile on the face s of people in need.

"Thank you for the food and home starter pack and we would be delighted to help when you need us A newly housed couple rebuilding their lives now offer to volunteer with THH:

I have never known what it was like to have so much support - I felt like an island before, all alone. A homeless client who was really struggling in all areas, but now engaging well

So grateful for all the support, for the curtains you made, fantastic, you got me a bed, you are kind and caring. I feel I can be me with you. I dont know what I would have done without you. Lots of work from Helen and Karen which I really appreciate. A recently housed Client:

In the period April - September 2020, our services were accessed 4,704 times.

113 Clients : Male 76 : Female 37 of which BAME: 12: 6 Male, 6 Female.

1:1's with Clients (face to face or over the phone due to COVID-19) = 923

Outreach across the Borough: 155 times (to provide direct support to homeless people - food, clothing, encourage access to our services)

41 People were supported into accommodation and 3 people have been re-connected with family/local area.

Secured 14 different benevolent grants for vulnerable people who would not otherwise be able to pay their rent deposit/rent.

Provided 31 specialist debt management sessions for vulnerable Clients (typically with debts greater than 5K and limited/no income at the beginning of engagement with us)

17 Clients have secured employment through our Employment Support Services in the period.

Our Employment Support Services were accessed 221 times in Q2 after lockdown by 60 Clients.

During the first pandemic lockdown we prepared and delivered around 50 food parcels a week

During September, 11 new Clients emerged who were either now living in a car or temporarily sofa surfing with a friend due to unemployment. With our Clients we often also help them secure furniture and even support them at a practical level with the physical move through amazing Community support/funding.

We have witnessed a spirit of compassion throughout the pandemic and a genuine desire to help people which is heart-warming. Our plea is that there aren't many homeless people who choose it as a lifestyle; so please get behind charities like ours and help to change a life.

Community Fundraising has been very difficult this year. Most of our fundraising events have been cancelled including the popular Father Christmas Rotary collection around the streets of Camberley and Frimley. We need your help.

This Christmas, please help us to help those less fortunate, to put smiles on faces, and help bring a smile during uncertain times and help folk enjoy a festive moment.

Please donate what you can and whatever you can afford. We know life is tough for us all.