A HOMELESSNESS charity has launched its winter appeal as nights begin to get colder.
Under One Sky estimates it will serve homeless people 10,000 times across London and Brighton from November to the end of February 2022.
The volunteer led initiative has started its winter campaign following the end to the eviction ban and the furlough scheme as Covid-19 support funding has dried up.
Founder Mikkel Juel Iversen said: "Ending homelessness starts with a conversation. We focus on making those affected by homelessness feel seen, heard and cared for.
"Our teams walk the streets to connect with people where they have made a 'home' for that moment, and we are on a first name basis with most of the friends we serve."
The volunteers or "skywalkers" are on the streets around 12 times each week serving between 400-500 people covering Angel/Islington, Brighton, Dalston, Kings Cross, Soho/Embankment, Victoria/Westminster and Waterloo/London Bridge.
The 1000 plus volunteers provide food, hot and cold drinks, snacks, socks, underwear and toiletries to people on the street.
On demand Under One Sky provides specific items such as shoes, coats, sleeping bags and mobile phones, ensuring funds go where the greatest needs are.
Mikkel added: "When someone is deemed high risk, e.g. vulnerable to hypothermia, or sexual abuse, we sponsor emergency accommodation to get them off the streets immediately.
"Where we can make a big difference in someone’s life, we always go the extra mile.
"Our volunteers have sourced wheelchairs, bus and train tickets to reconnect homeless friends with family and have sourced bicycles to enable uptake of delivery jobs. At this stage, we have assisted several people out of homelessness."
During winter the charity also collate and hand out messages of hope written by people from all over the world.
It also refers the people to physical and mental health services, other homelessness organisations and emergency services.
Paul, who is currently homeless said: "Under one sky provides assistance to those most vulnerable through a never ending fleet of volunteers from all walks of life.
"While the generosity of food, clothing and basic survival tools are appreciated by all, it is the intangibles which make the difference.
"The non-judgement. The deep listening skills. The problem solving. The willingness to see a positive vision when too many of us cannot.
"Under one sky is the embodiment of this other reality. For as long as I breathe on this earth I will be forever grateful to this crew of human beauty in what they sacrifice and provide."
Under One Sky has launched a Gofundme page to receive donations that can help people like Paul.
Other ways to help include donating sleeping bags, which can be done via the charity's Amazon Wishlist.
You can also send a "message of hope", copies of which will be handed out to several hundred homeless people. To do this contact the campaign organiser on the Gofundme page with your message.
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