When I left home at 19 years old, I was very lucky to have a strong support network that took care of me until I was able to get back on my feet. I couch-surfed from friend's house to friend's house for weeks, which admittedly was very distressing, but I never had to sleep rough. I don't think my friends were fully aware of how much they were doing for me at the time but, looking back, they unknowingly prevented me from ending up on the streets. I feel like I would have to live a few lifetimes before I am able to repay them for their kindness.
In the UK, approximately 1 in 200 people are homeless and, according to figures from City YMCA, 93% of those who seek shelter in their facilities are aged 18 to 24.
I am a member of Out For Good, an organisation formed by LGBTQ+ people who want to make a real difference in their communities, and we are collecting donations to put together care packages for a shelter for young Londoners affected by Homelessness. These packages will be distributed to young people by the City YMCA.
With your donations, we will be able to fill these care packages with items such as deodorant, perfume, aftershave, razors, shaving gel, hair products, sanitary items, combs, brushes, flannels, hand sanitiser, lip salve, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Donations will be accepted from February 11 to March 13, 2020, and the care packages will be put together on Sunday, March 15.
Please make your donations on this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/care-packages-for-homeless-young-londoners?utm_term=z8j4465Rx
City YMCA London is an independent charity affiliated to the YMCA movement, that works across some of London's most deprived boroughs to give every young person the opportunity to build a future of their own choosing. They have helped over 30,000 isolated, homeless young people struggling with family breakdown, school exclusion, poor mental health and drug and alcohol problems. Their accommodation offers a safe place for young people experiencing homelessness to piece their lives together.
Out for Good is an LGBT+ organisation for people with one thing in common, a willingness to make a real difference in their communities. Members dedicate their talent, time and commitment to help everyone in their community thrive. They act as role models, breaking down barriers in the wider community.
JustGiving is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Payment Service Regulations 2017.
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