Christmas appeal from industry charity CRASH seeks backing to help provide long term, sustainable support for UK’s homeless men and women

With temperatures beginning to drop our thoughts turn towards the festive season. For many these contemplations include charitable acts like offering to help serve Christmas dinner to homeless men and women or supporting an initiative which gives rough sleepers a roof over their heads throughout the Christmas period.

With temperatures dropping as low as −15.6C last winter, more people than ever sought shelter from the cold during that period. These refuges provided a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who are without a home. But what happens when the tinsel comes down and Christmas lights are put away for another year?

Research showed that one in four people who sought help from shelters in cold weather returned to a life on the streets last winter. With the current economic climate continuing to add to rough sleeping numbers, the need for long term, sustainable provision for homeless people is now more vital than ever.

Which is why CRASH is asking companies to donate their Christmas card budget to the CRASH No Christmas Card Appeal 2013.

CRASH is the construction and property industry’s charity for homeless men and women. It is a unique, practical charity which works to address issues of homelessness by harnessing the skills, products and goodwill of the sector.

The result of this generosity and practical sharing of materials and skills means that much needed renovation and development of emergency night shelters, hostels, day centres and move on accommodation is carried out to a far higher standard than would otherwise be possible, providing a safe and welcoming refuge for people in need throughout the whole year.

Thanks to the continued support and generosity of industry organisations, in the last year alone CRASH has been able to help over 60 homelessness charities by providing pro-bono professional advice, supplying materials free of charge and awarding cash grants.

“While CRASH’s work is about improving the buildings that homeless people need, it’s important not to lose sight of the impact this on individuals,” said CRASH Chief Executive Francesca Roberts. “For the majority of homeless people, if they can find help, homelessness and the effects of that experience will be short term.”

2013 CRASH No Christmas Card Appeal
CRASH is asking companies to donate their Christmas card budget to the 2013 CRASH No Christmas Card Appeal. The money raised through this appeal will enable CRASH to continue their work constructing and improving the buildings that give homeless men and women the opportunity to get off the streets and start rebuilding their lives.

In return you’ll get:

• FREE CRASH animated Christmas e-card with your company logo.
• The option to have an email signature and banner ad for your company’s website.
• Donate by 2nd December and we’ll include your company’s name or logo in our Thank You ads which we’ll be running in the industry press in the New Year.

If you would like further information about this appeal which has raised over £257,000 since 2009, please call Kate Marsh on 020 8742 0717 or email kmarsh@crash.org.uk.

If you are a frontline homelessness agency based in the UK and would like further information on how to apply for help from CRASH, please visit our website www.crash.org.uk or contact Ryan Richardson on 020 8742 0717 or email projects@crash.org.uk.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Patron of CRASH, please contact our Chief Executive Francesca Roberts on 020 8742 0717.