Each year, we are astounded by the generosity of everyone who chooses to support us. In a time that is economically difficult for many, we appreciate that so many of you are thinking of those less fortunate – those who are facing homelessness – above yourselves.
Thanks to all of you, we are on track to raise our fundraising target of £1.9 million. This will enable us to support thousands more people away from homelessness and into safe, secure housing situations. People like John, who received an individual grant that meant he could move on from temporary accommodation to his bungalow, that he “would like to stay in forever”. And people like Carla and Elvira, who have been supported by organisations we fund across the UK.
We are so grateful to John, Elvira, Carla, and their frontline workers (at Hope into Action, Rowan Alba and The Connection at St Martin’s, respectively), for sharing their stories with us through our BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal. Their generosity in sharing their voices and stories has been invaluable in demonstrating the impact your donations make, and in helping us to raise the funds to help many more people.
We know that each year the stories we share have a profound effect on listeners. Below are a few messages we have received:
- “Dear John, I’m so sorry you have had such a tough time and glad that you are finally in a home of your own. Well done for coming through such bad experiences. You should be proud. I am proud to donate to St Martin’s Charity to help people like you. All the best.”
- “No one should have to be homeless. Such courage and fortitude is shown by so many of you, and when I speak to someone on the streets, I find it heartbreaking. I respect St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity very much for the work achieved to alleviate so much suffering.”
- “We all deserve a hand up when we’re struggling. Please know there are many people rooting for you. All the very best to you in 2025. Your past doesn’t have to define your future.”
We’re proud to be able to give a platform to people with lived experience of homelessness each year, to tell their own stories in their own words. Thanks to our partnership with BBC Radio 4, we will continue to do this for years to come. We’re grateful to everyone at Radio 4 for this opportunity, including the ambassadors that continue to support us at our Christmas Appeal Hub.