It’s the time of year again where families are wrapping their presents, cosying up by the fire and watching a Christmas film, but this is not the reality for a lot of people this winter. Homelessness is on the rise, and has increased in Leeds by a huge 48% from last year, leaving many sleeping rough this Christmas.
Charities are issuing desperate appeals for donations, as the demand for food and necessities is higher than ever this year. Helping Hands, a charity committed to aiding the homeless and those struggling with hardship, are doing their part this winter to help feed the homeless in Leeds.
They run food banks every Wednesday and Sunday in across the whole of Leeds. Most recently they held what they call “The Feed” outside Zara in the city centre. Many people of all circumstances joined to get a hot bite to eat, a warm drink and most importantly an opportunity to see a friendly face.
Volunteer Dianne Goodall, said since joining the charity her outlook on the homeless has “totally changed.”
“I joined because we all have families that are there to support us and we’re the homeless people’s family. That’s what I see it as. We love coming out and feeding and clothing people. A lot of the time people just want somebody to talk to.”
Event organiser, Toni “Fivestar”, used to be homeless herself, and has now come full circle, providing support to those struggling as she once did.
“I go out at night to do welfare checks and body temperature checks. We take donations and work with restaurants such as Nando’s to provide food. This year we’re handing out Christmas keychains to the homeless, with the hope that one day they will have a key on it.”
Charities like Helping Hands are a crucial service as temperatures continue to drop and more people are forced to sleep on the streets.
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