Single Homeless Project's Festive 'Sitting Room' Highlights Homelessness in London

The charity ‘Single Homeless Project’ is calling for immediate Government action as new analysis reveals that over four thousand Londoners could be forced into homelessness before Christmas - one person every nine minutes and 50 seconds.

To draw attention to this shocking statistic, the charity unveiled a surreal pop-up under Camden Lock bridge, created by CPB London to remind us that everyone deserves a home for good - especially at Christmas. 

The installation, an out-of-place festive sitting room complete with a twinkling tree, comfy armchair and warm throws, sits bizarrely on a drab London street. In the middle of the cosy scene, a grubby duvet lies on some damp cardboard - starkly contrasting the bleak living conditions for Londoners forced to sleep on the streets with the joyful décor many of us associate with our own homes in December.

Single Homeless Project, the largest homeless charity dedicated to helping Londoners in crisis, is calling for the Government to increase the Local Housing Allowance and raise the benefit cap proportionately to help Londoners pay their rent and stay in their own homes. The charity is warning that without these measures, 4,239 people living in the capital could be forced into homelessness by Christmas day.

TV Gail Porter, who was briefly forced into homelessness in the mid-00’s, has joined Single Homeless Project at the ‘Home for Good’ installation to talk about why she is supporting the campaign, Gail said, “Christmas is a time for being around friends and loved ones, sharing festive cheer. I know first-hand that for many people experiencing homelessness, it’s one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year. Everyone deserves a safe and cosy place to call home, so please help a fellow Londoner today. You can make a difference - whether it be donating, volunteering, calling for help in an emergency or even just a smile from a friendly face - it all goes a long way.”

Charlotte, 41 from North London previously faced homelessness. With the help of Single Homeless Project, she now has her own flat, is a personal trainer and runs boxing and self-defence classes for women experiencing homelessness. She said, “I know what it’s like when you’re staring at those unpaid bills and wondering how on earth you’re going to pay them. It’s a dark place to be and that daily threat of homelessness severely affects your mental health. Surely it makes sense for the Government to help people stay in their own homes by giving them a fair chance at making ends meet? Because what’s the alternative?”

Single Homeless Project has produced a guide on how to help Londoners facing homelessness this festive season, available to download here.