A Christmas campaign has been launched by Enfield Council to help former rough sleepers rebuild their lives and enjoy a settled home.

The Council has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £17,430 to be spent on 10 home starter packs that will include everything from white goods to bedding.

It is hoped that these packs will help a small number of people rebuild their lives, find a home and never be in a situation again where they have to return to living on the streets of London. Many of Enfield’s rough sleeper clients are vulnerable – domestic abuse survivors, care leavers, ex-service personnel, ex-offenders and people who have suffered extreme poverty.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Housing, Cllr Gina Needs, said: “Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Enfield Council has rehoused 221 rough sleepers into emergency accommodation. But this is not enough. We need to support people to maintain a tenancy and live with stability and safety.

“However, the Council simply does not have the funding to offer all the basics such as furniture, which is why we are appealing to the people and businesses of Enfield for help.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the housing of rough sleepers will help to save lives. The average age at death of people who experience homelessness is 44 for men and 42 for women. This project will ensure 10 former rough sleepers with support needs have what they need to make a place of their own which they can transform into a proper home. At the same time, Enfield Council will offer advice and help to ensure they are settled and have the resources to overcome complex issues such as mental health illness and addiction.”

As a local authority, we are committed to using our resources and skills to make the experience of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. For more information see our Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025.

To donate, please go to: https://www.spacehive.com/help-homeless-enfield