THERE has been an increase in the number of people sleeping in cars despite being in employment and families being forced to turn to homelessness services to get by, according to homelessness charity Crisis.
They have also revealed there has been an increase in the number of people who are unable to afford food or heating costs in the area.
And they have warned thousands of already struggling people could be forced into homelessness over the winter months due to high housing costs and rising energy bills and food prices.
Over 120 volunteers at Crisis Skylight Coventry and Warwickshire will be opening its support programme over the winter, providing food, well-being calls and check-ins, guidance packs and social activities to help people emerge from the struggle of homelessness.
Activities include community events, festive trips and days out, gift hampers and a Christmas Day feast for homeless Coventrians.
Coventry Skylight director Ruhail Rana said: “No one should be homeless and alone at Christmas.
“It’s not right that anyone should spend the holidays rough sleeping, in temporary accommodation or separated from friends and family.
“Crisis works in Coventry and Warwickshire to support people out of homelessness all year round, but Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for people who have lost their home.
“The cost of living crisis has posed huge challenges for people struggling to get by, while high housing costs, combined with rising prices and energy bills threaten to cause a huge spike in homelessness.
“In that context, action to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness is vital.
“We know it’s within our reach to end homelessness altogether, but until that time comes, we’ll still be here at Christmas and all year-round helping people directly out of homelessness and campaigning for the social changes needed to end it altogether.”
Visit www.crisis.org.uk/support to donate to the charity’s Christmas activities.
