The Ilford Recorder is launching a campaign to help make this winter a little warmer for those sleeping rough.

Four men from the homeless community have died in the last fortnight in Redbridge.  The news of the tragic deaths, which are not believed to be suspicious, prompted us at the Recorder to consider what we could do for help.

According to national homeless charity Shelter, one in 48 people in Redbridge are homeless.  They come from all walks of
life, and are all ages and ethnicities.  You will have seen people sleeping behind Bodgers, in, shop entrances around Ilford town centre, and in the parks across Redbridge.

The average life expectancy of rough sleepers is 47 years old, and they are 17 times more likely to have been a victim of violence in the last year.

In May, homeless man Hassaman Ettakkal, 54, was found beaten to death by a burnt out car in Goodmayes.  Last week, his attacker Adil Mahmood pleaded guilty to killing him at the Old Bailey.

It is a situation that shames the borough.  And across Redbridge, more people than ever before live in precarious housing situations.  Currently, 6,197 people in the
borough live in temporary accommodation.

Over the next six weeks, the Recorder intends to help those who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness by raising awareness.

We will be interviewing rough sleepers and the amazing services including the Welcome Centre and Single Homeless Project trying to help them.  We will also be showing the good
work that goes on by selfless volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others.  Every one of them is a hero.

And you can be too - alongside promoting the good work taking place, we’ll also be showing you practical ways that you can help.

Today, we are launching our campaign to raise £2,500 for the Ilford Salvation Army.

The money will be used to fund a caseworker who helps rough sleepers who have no access to public funds.

If you can’t donate your money, don’t worry, the Recorder will also show practical ways that you can
help.

It’s time for action.

Join us.

The Salvation Army is a registered charity and church working in 120 countries worldwide and is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 Salvation Army social service centres and community churches. We provide unconditional friendship, support and very practical help to people in crisis and need and work with children, older people, homeless people and those dealing with drug and/or alcohol addiction.