CitySprint is supporting Crisis at Christmas this year by donating two vans that will provide vital support to the charity, which is dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.
The CitySprint vans will be used to collect and deliver donated goods from around the Central London area. In addition, they will also be used to deliver household goods and furniture to former homeless people who have moved into permanent accommodation, as well as providing support to other Crisis events and initiatives.
The work of Crisis is vital as homelessness is still a very real issue in the UK. According to Government figures released in June 2010, 1250 people were sleeping rough on any given night in England ; a particular problem in London where it represents almost half of this figure. According to CHAIN (Combined Homeless and Information Network), 61% of rough sleepers are new and 27% have been rough sleeping for two or more years; 61% are aged between 25 and 45 years and many have one or more support needs, including alcohol, drugs and mental health issues.
However, regardless of their age, profile or story there is no doubt that there is still a very real need for the support they receive via Crisis. Transport is a crucial element of ensuring this support reaches the people who need it most. Therefore the vans donated by CitySprint are a welcome and valued addition to the project.
Patrick Gallagher, Chief Executive of CitySprint said: "We are delighted to be able to support Crisis. Whilst homelessness is an ongoing issue it is certainly something which becomes more poignant at Christmas. The country is undergoing a period of economic turmoil which means issues such as homelessness could worsen. It is really important that we all do what we can to help turn this around. We hope that our support goes some way to doing that."
Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "Organising Crisis at Christmas is a massive logistical challenge. This year our 8,000 volunteers expect to welcome over 2,000 guests in nine centres spread across London. The two vans kindly donated by CitySprint will enable us to move supplies and equipment to help us provide warmth, food, companionship and services so our guests can leave homelessness behind for good."
