According to 2022 figures, homelessness in the UK has risen by 28% since 2021; that is the biggest annual percentage increase since 2015.

It's estimated that every single night in England there are 3,069 people sleeping rough. We are the 22nd richest country in the world, yet 1 in 58 people in our capital city are homeless, and 1'286 of them died on the streets of the UK last year.

Many of these people have been extremely unlucky; to be born into poverty, to be made redundant when there is a lack of affordable housing, or to lose a loved one leaving them unable to provide for themselves. Once in this position, they find themselves in an endless cycle that seems unable to break. With no address, you aren't able to have a bank account, with no bank account, you aren't able to find a job, with no job, you aren't able to have an address.

Those of us that are able to, should do all we can to support these people to survive, and hopefully get back on their feet.

That is why, I am going to get beaten up in the name of charity, on the 8th of July with Ultra White Collar Boxing, and I would love for you to donate some money to the Faith in Action Project. Which is a local charity that supports not just rough sleepers, but people who are at risk of losing their homes in Merton, in the hopes of preventing the issue before it arises.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and totally secure and your details are kept safe. Once you donate, JustGiving send your money directly to Faith in Action.

Your money will be used to:

- Provide homeless people with hot meals and hot drinks.

- Give them the opportunity to take showers, have their clothes washed, and receive haircuts.

- Donate warm clothes and sleeping bags to rough sleepers.

- Fund outreach services, such as; drug and alcohol teams, medical teams, and job center support enabling them to get the benefits that they are entitled to.

-Provide people with oyster cards, allowing them to travel around London for accommodation and job purposes.

These things really do save lives, so please donate.

Below are some videos with more information on the project, as well as their website:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R-bOYQzJ-U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQQWQZPeno

http://www.mertonfaithinaction.org/

EVERYONE matters, and everyone deserves a home.

Thank you,

Kate x