A leading Brighton housing and homelessness charity has issued a plea for help as Christmas approaches.
Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) has launched its annual Christmas appeal. All donations go to the charity’s First Base Day Centre – the only project for homeless men and women in the city to remain open over the Christmas and new year period.
BHT said: “The money raised will go towards funding the services provided at First Base which literally change lives and move people away from the streets, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”
First Base manager Simon Hughes said: “For most of us, Christmas is a fun time of year involving family get-togethers, presents, too much to eat and drink, dodgy jumpers and cheesy films.
“But if you are sleeping rough or are homeless, it can be the most miserable and lonely time of the year – a bitter reminder of what you haven’t got, what you’ve lost or what you’ve never had.
“Throughout the festive period First Base offers comfort to people who have literally nowhere to go and no one to spend Christmas with – Christmas events, food and activities.”
BHT chief executive Andy Winter said: “The work of BHT, and specifically First Base Day Centre, relies on the goodwill of people from the local community.
“Each year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters. This year we need to raise £20,000.
“People can donate through our JustGiving page or by sending me a cheque made payable to ‘Brighton Housing Trust’ c/o BHT, 144 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH.”
