Charity launches Christmas Appeal after homelessness cases double since pandemic

• Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is asking for support this Christmas for its work helping those in the community facing homelessness
• The charity helped around 100 people per year with homelessness issues prior to the pandemic – and that number now stands at 200
• Donations to the charity’s Christmas Appeal will support front-line Advisers tackling homelessness in South Gloucestershire

A South Gloucestershire advice charity is asking the public for help after numbers of people facing homelessness in the region doubled since the pandemic.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire has launched its Christmas Appeal for donations which this year focuses on its work tackling homelessness.

The charity helped around 100 people per year with homelessness prior to the Covid-19 pandemic – but the total stood at 203 in 2024 with a similar number likely by the end of this year.

These stark figures shows the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in South Gloucestershire – as people have used up savings to cover the cost of increased bills and are being pushed into (or further into) debt.

The charity offers free, confidential and independent advice to anyone who needs it in South Gloucestershire – covering a wide range of advice areas.

But the charity wants to highlight the growing issue of homelessness this festive season – a time when many of us will be looking forward to Christmas and spending precious time with our loved ones.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is a local, independent charity and is dependent on donations and grants to keep doing its vital work.

Donations to the charity’s Christmas Appeal will support front-line Advisers tackling homelessness in South Gloucestershire.

How Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire helps with homelessness

The charity’s Advisers are often the first point of contact for people facing homelessness. They can talk them through the process with compassion and kindness – ensuring people know their rights, identifying their options and taking action.

The charity’s Debt Advisers can arrange for someone with unmanageable debt to be placed on Breathing Space – putting a temporary stop to evictions for rent arrears, as well as a host of other debt management measures.

And the charity’s When Advice Really Matters (WARM) project provides ongoing, holistic support to those with mental health needs which are being made more difficult by practical issues such as homelessness.

The WARM project Adviser can work with the local authority to make sure people are getting all the support they are entitled to – and has a track record of ending episodes of street homelessness.

‘I felt completely alone and unsupported – India changed everything’

Chris* had been repeatedly made homeless since 2023 and was struggling to get safe accommodation while living in his car with his dog.

After being referred to Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s WARM project, Adviser India fought to help Chris secure temporary accommodation – and a pathway towards permanent housing.

Chris said: “When I first started with WARM, I was homeless and completely stuck. I felt completely alone and unsupported.

“India changed everything. She spoke to me with knowledge, patience, and understanding.

“Sleeping in my car was the worst experience of my life. I was coping with the loss of contact with my daughter, a toxic breakup, and multiple disabilities. I had my dog with me, and every night I felt more hopeless.

“I genuinely don’t believe I would still be here without India’s help. She was the only person who saw through the situation, understood me, and fought for me.

“When you donate, your support goes directly to helping someone like me: a neighbour, a member of the community, someone who just needs a bit of help to stand up again.”

*name has been changed to protect identity

Give the gift of good advice this Christmas

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire CEO Chantal Watts said: “No one should be homeless at any time of year – particularly at Christmas, a time associated with happiness and celebration.

“Our Advisers work extremely hard to help people facing homelessness. We are seeing more and more people with homelessness issues – showing the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis for many families and individuals in South Gloucestershire.

“By donating to our charity this Christmas, you will be helping to ensure we can continue providing our vital support for homelessness to people who need it – not just this winter but all year round.

“Any amount will make a difference – thank you for your support.”

How to donate

• £10 will pay for a Volunteer Adviser to provide generalist advice and information on homelessness options
• £20 will pay for a Caseworker to liaise with the local authority and ensure people facing homelessness get all the help they’re entitled to
• £50 will pay for an appointment with a qualified debt adviser to implement Breathing Space and put a temporary stop to evictions for rent arrears

Donations can be made quickly and securely as a one-off payment or regular standing order via Paypal at: https://bit.ly/4rzFF5F

Donations can also be made by cheque (payable to “Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire”). Please send to: Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, Unit 1 Badminton Court, Yate, BS37 5HZ.

Or email bureau@sgloscab.cabnet.org.uk to find the charity’s bank transfer details.

Contactless or cash donations can also be made in the Reception area of the charity’s new Advice Centre in Unit 1 Badminton Court, Station Road, Yate BS37 5HZ.

• If you are facing homelessness or any other issue, contact Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire. Come to the charity’s face-to-face drop-in sessions around the region in the first instance. The times and locations of these can be found at: www.southgloscab.org.uk
• Or call 0808 278 7947 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays

Published 04/12/25.