A multitude of reasons lead people to finding themselves homeless. Relationship breakdown, difficult family situations, bereavement, financial pressures of paying bills, fuel, food, as people manage the cost of living crisis sees a continued rise in people presenting to councils as homeless. Unforeseen money troubles, whether a low wage or insufficient benefits, regardless, the outcome can be the same.
Other factors include fleeing violence; escaping war; the impact of being stigmatised as a LGBTQI+ person, physical health or compromised mental wellbeing, use of alcohol and other drugs excessively, which perhaps began as a coping mechanism from other factors such as the impact of trauma or adverse childhood experiences. Often people in homelessness services will have experienced one or more of these.
We need to extend the hand of support and show understanding, compassion and change things with prevention. To see things with a wider lens not solely focussing on an individual and laying blame but instead looking beyond to determine where a difference could be been made.
To mark World Homeless Day on the 10th October 2024, Herefordshire Homelessness Forum has created a series of informative videos.
'Unseen Stories - Homelessness in Herefordshire' looks at the amazing work being done by partners in Herefordshire to support the homeless in our county, highlights the reasons why people find themselves in this situation and raises awareness of the issue generally.
'Unseen Stories - Understanding Homelessness. How can you help?', explores simple yet impactful ways you can help the homeless in Herefordshire.
Please watch and share far and wide so that more people in our communities can be educated about this issue.
Find out more about World Homeless Day here.
How You Can Get Involved
You can raise awareness of World Homeless Day by:
a) Sharing our social media messages with your followers, supporters, staff and volunteers or create your own.
b) Supporting the events organised by The Living Room during the HereForDShire Festival on the weekend of the 10th - 12th October 2024.
c) Fundraising and awareness raising at your businesses on World Homeless Day 10th October 2024.
On this page you’ll find a range of assets including images and videos, suggested social media posts and information for you and your organisation to share.
Downloadable Social Assets
Please use the links below to download World Homeless Day assets. To access please click on the link below, when image is open in your browser click the download arrow on your toolbar or right click 'Save As' and save to a destination of your choice.
The Living Room Event Posters
HereForDShire All Events Poster
Images
Social Media Images for use on Facebook or Instagram
Suggested Social Media Posts
What will you be doing to raise awareness of World Homeless Day this year?
Share this film with your family, friends and colleagues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogAzZm8Ri_M
#WHD24 #WorldHomelessDay #Herefordshire
Did you know the average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women. Let's raise awareness of the issue and support the excellent work being done in Herefordshire.
#WHD24 #WorldHomelessDay #Herefordshire
Suggested Hashtags
#WHD24 #WorldHomelessDay #helpthehomeless #kindness #homelessshelter #people #housing #homelessoutreach #homelessawareness #fundraising #change
Useful Websites & Information
Find out all you need to know about World Homeless Day
The Living Room is a safe place for anyone. A Café, a Community Larder and a safe Community Space, all in the centre of Hereford. They are a grassroots organisation that has developed organically, responding to the needs of the community. The Living Room welcomes everyone, they are here to help.
Herefordshire Council - Homeless or At Risk
If you are homeless or concerned about the possibility of losing your home, seek advice as soon as you can.
Hereford Open Door is a local independent charity. We provide a hot breakfast and a packed lunch to the homeless and people in need, including those in temporary or sub-standard accommodation, and somewhere where people can meet their friends in a friendly welcoming environment.
They treat everyone who walks through their ‘Open Door’ with the same respect, compassion and support. Open Door does not provide accommodation.
The Living Hope CIO, Herefordshire
The Living Hope CIO is based in Herefordshire, is a Christian organisation dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness, addiction and socio-economic challenges. They partner with other organisations to provide comprehensive assistance.
Turning Point provides free and confidential support for adults and young people around their use of alcohol and other drugs. They also offer support to families and carers affected by the alcohol or drug use of someone else.
The mission at Vennture is simple: to support those in need and ignite positive change. From lending a helping hand on the streets of Hereford and nurturing families in their homes, to supporting individuals through life's challenges.
The HUB is a Community Project, a space for all, to improve quality and conditions of life, to develop skills and to meet local needs. A safe place, a haven, a place of peace, a place of respite.
It is a non-threatening and non-judgemental space to meet with support workers or other agency staff, to access help and advice with benefits, debt, housing issues and health and addiction issues. A signposting service for those with nowhere else to turn, and no-one else to ask. It is “an address” for those with no other.
A facility for the disadvantaged in Ross to use during the day, to shower, to wash their clothes, to have a hot meal, and a quiet cup of tea or coffee. There is internet access, workspaces, laundry facilities and bathroom facilities.
Supported accommodation for homeless adults in Herefordshire. The Herefordshire Housing-related support service is for vulnerable adults aged 18+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In addition to supported accommodation, the service can provide advice and support for tenancy issues, housing rights & homelessness, budgeting & benefit take-up, housing-related debt, training & employment and social & community inclusion.
Crisis are the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. They help people directly out of homelessness and campaign for the changes needed to solve it altogether.
If you are rough sleeping or are aware of someone who is rough sleeping within the Herefordshire area, please contact Street Link on 0300 500 0914.