Homelessness charity Society of St James (SSJ) has launched its interactive advent calendar, in a bid to raise £50,000 this Christmas.
Featuring stories from the people SSJ have supported and team members with lived experience, the Christmas campaign will support people experiencing homelessness in Southampton, Portsmouth and across Hampshire.
The advent calendar also encourages people to donate to specific causes, such as buying a hot meal or a Christmas gift.
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SSJ are also working with businesses to encourage fundraising events such as Christmas Jumper Days and cake sales in a bid to reach their ambitious £50,000 target.
They hope the campaign will help to break the stigma surrounding homelessness and fund essential services and support for vulnerable people this Christmas and throughout the year.
Chief Executive Tania Marsh told the Daily Echo: "Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects thousands across our region. Many people face stigma, discrimination, and isolation because of their housing situation.
"But we believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect and compassion. That's why we are launching this campaign to raise awareness and funds for our work with people who are homeless and are facing multiple problems. We want to show them that they are not alone, that they are valued, they have hope for the future and that we will carry on supporting them despite what can often present as a protracted and cyclical journey to independence.”
The Society of St. James supports those with problems such as homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues and offending behaviour. These problems are shaped by long-term experiences of poverty, deprivation, trauma, abuse, and neglect.
SSJ provides a comprehensive range of services, including hostels, transitional housing, substance misuse services and The SSJ Academy, which offers life skills classes, volunteering, and sport and craft opportunities.
The society began in 1972 by establishing a night shelter for homeless men in St James’ Church Hall in Shirley, followed by a soup run in the city.
These days, it manages over 25 projects, with around 550 people being housed at any one time.
Donate at ssj.org.uk
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