What does Christmas mean when you don’t have a home?

No one has captured the meaning of Christmas in English quite like Charles Dickens. He conjures up an enthralling picture of a magical time full of presents, decorations, food, warmth, good company and cheer.

Perhaps this is why, at this time of year, our thoughts turn so sharply to those without a home. The contrast is so extreme. For people experiencing homelessness, life can be cold, lonely, uncertain and sad. The kind of Christmas Dickens paints is out of reach.

We know that far too many people are facing exactly that reality this winter. There are 248 people sleeping rough on the streets of Kent each night, a sharp 28 per cent rise in just four months. The challenge is significant, but we know there are ways to support people to find a home for good.

Porchlight is committed to supporting people who experience homelessness. We help people stay in their homes, find and support people who are sleeping rough and provide emergency housing for people who would otherwise have nowhere to go.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, last year we supported 944 people facing homelessness. We know our work matters: 85% would recommend us to someone in need and eight in 10 were in a home after receiving our support.

A home is the basis for building a life and participating in community. It means warmth, a meal, safety – and the chance to welcome friends and family at Christmas. We rely on donations to provide these vital services.

Please give generously this year.

Your support helps people not only to escape the streets and find a home, but begin to rebuild their lives.