Each year, OFFL raises funding for our winter clothing projects to meet the needs of the homeless.

Sleeping rough on the streets is frightening, demoralising and isolating. Most of the homeless that we deal with have fallen through various social safety nets. The harsh reality of life in one of the most expensive cities and country in the world means they are often overlooked by society.

Unfortunately, there are a record number of people who find themselves homeless, due to the impact of the cost of living crisis - with over 4,068 recorded by outreach teams in London alone between July and September 2023. Additionally and most unfortunately, from the latest statistics more than 1,300 people died whilst homeless in 2023, marking an 85% increase since 2019.

Whilst there are a number of reasons for deaths associated with homeless people, many are due to exposure to freezing conditions and associated illnesses, such as respiratory problems. The most common age of mortality for the homeless is in the 36-55 year age bracket. This is in stark contrast to the UK’s average life expectancy of 80 years old.

The funding that we are raising is to help us deliver warm winter clothing and essential toiletries bags, to support the homeless survive the very harsh winter months on the street.

In line with previous years, our intention is to provide a range of clothing that the homeless can layer to keep as warm and dry as possible – given warm air is trapped through the layers acting as an insulator. The items include thermal underclothing (vests, long johns etc) to outer layers (hoodies, hats, scarfs, gloves, socks, blanket and waterproof ponchos) as well as a range of essential toiletries - see image above for examples of some of the clothing provided last year.

Please help us support those in need, during these very cold months by sponsoring one (£25) OR as many winter bags as you would like.

We appreciate that so many charities ask for funds, especially at this time of year, however, we would welcome any help you are able to provide, however small or large and thank you in advance for your generosity.

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