Animation raises awareness of expected 33 per cent homelessness increase

A new video highlights that homelessness could increase by a third this coming winter.

As the economic implications and lockdowns of Covid-19 continue, Caring in Bristol‘s new film raises awareness of financial pressures facing many.

The animation, titled The Little City That Can, reminds people that not everyone enjoys the festive period in a safe and warm home.

It also shines a light on the work charities like Caring in Bristol do over the winter months to keep homeless people safe and fed.

Caring in Bristol joins national charities like Shelter and Crisis in warning of a potential 33 per cent rise in street homelessness this winter, alongside an rocketing number of “nearly homeless” individuals, due to the financial devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The homeless charity warn of a 33 per cent increase in rough sleeping this winter. Photo: Caring in Bristol

“With another national lockdown immanent, we are on the verge of a national economic crisis, which has had a direct impact on those seeking our support for housing and homelessness issues,” says Antonia Cross, campaigns and communications manager at Caring in Bristol.

“It would have been wrong for our campaign to just draw attention to those facing inexcusable street homelessness, when those who are ‘nearly homeless’ also need serious attention too.”

Over the Christmas period, Caring in Bristol will run a pop-up support service, providing daily support over the Christmas week for those currently rough sleeping.

The support centre, located at Lakota and Stokes Croft Beer Garden, will run from December 25-27 and support will include specialist housing support and advocacy, mental and emotional health support, care packs, warm clothing and a Christmas dinner.

The charity’s Cheers Drive project, launched in spring 2020, will be continue to provide food throughout Christmas and up until the end of March 2021.

“This has been a year of unprecedented difficulty for everyone, but especially for people in our community who have been more disadvantaged and marginalised than ever.” adds Edd Smith, Caring in Bristol’s head of income generation.

“The work of Caring in Bristol is only made possible by the people of Bristol.  Our achievements are your achievements.  This winter your support is needed more than ever.

“Our Caring at Christmas project provides shelter, warmth, nutritious food, activities and entertainment for some of Bristol’s most marginalised.”

Caring Bristol launched the Cheers Drive meals on wheels project in March 2020. Photo: Caring in Bristol

The Little City That Can hopes to raise even more awareness and funds for the charity.

Made in collaboration with a group of Bristol creatives, including Broadchurch‘s Joe Sims, will be published online and via a QR code on posters around the city.

The film asks, ‘how does Father Christmas visit those without chimneys?’, reminding the people of Bristol that last year Bristol reached its highest number of street homeless individuals since records began, and numbers are only expected to rise.

Main image: Caring in Bristol

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