Christmas Appeal

Over the past 12 months, Wintercomfort for the Homeless has provided life-changing services for more than 680 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cambridge.? Sadly, demand for our services continues to rise at an alarming rate.

Despite the challenges, Wintercomfort for the Homeless continues to provide a warm, welcoming space which fosters positivity, change and hope for a better future, every day of the year.

Wintercomfort is Hope

After a series of personal tragedies including the loss of a child, the sudden death of his sister, and a back injury that left him unable to work, Graham suffered a catastrophic mental break down.?

Within the depths of his mental illness, Graham withdrew from family and friends.? This isolation resulted in further deterioration and ultimately, in homelessness.

In his mid-50s, Graham struggled to cope with life on the streets.? He felt hopeless and alone.?

When Graham came to Wintercomfort for help, his goals were simple.? To rebuild his relationship with his children and to find a home.? And yet these goals seemed far beyond reach.

Over the course of many months, the Wintercomfort housing team supported Graham in his efforts to find a home and, in August 2023, Graham moved into his own flat.? With help from Wintercomfort’s Home Furnishing Grant, Graham has been able to decorate and to buy basic furniture and white goods to set up home.

Graham now attends face-to-face counselling sessions every week at Wintercomfort which helps him to manage his mental health.

Things are beginning to look up for Graham.? After years of estrangement, he has recently reconnected with his daughter and they are now in regular contact.

“I’ve missed so much of my kids’ lives through mental illness and I hope that one day they’ll understand why I couldn’t be there for them.? I’m going to be there from now on.”

Wintercomfort is Positivity

James became homeless after losing his job as a result of an injury.? Unable to pay his rent, he lost his tenancy and was forced to sleep rough in the city.? With the support of Wintercomfort, James was not only able to secure a place to live but was also able to join activities to rebuild his self-confidence and to access counselling.?

James’ journey has not been straight forward but thanks to his indomitable spirit and his proactivity in seeking help to address his challenges, he is heading towards a brighter future.

“Leon (a member of Wintercomfort’s team) is a special person.? He’s done so much to help me get my life back on track.”

Wintercomfort is Safety

Having experienced multiple incidences of abuse, violence and homelessness, when Dana first began to attend Wintercomfort’s Women’s Only sessions, she was timid, anxious and afraid.? Over time, she has begun to open up about her experiences and hopes for the future.?

Working with Kamila, her support-worker, Dana continues to receive emotional and practical support to help her build self-confidence and to find a pathway to a brighter future.

“It is so important that Wintercomfort can continue to be a place of safety with dedicated services for women like Dana who have suffered so much.” Kamila, Wintercomfort Support Worker

Over the past 12 months, Wintercomfort have supported 177 women experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cambridge.

Wintercomfort is Opportunity

Dave became homeless after fleeing an abusive relationship.? When he first arrived in the city, he spent time sleeping on the streets and began to access the welfare drop-in service at Wintercomfort.? Having been supported to find accommodation, Dave worked with the Wintercomfort team to address the other issues in his life that had been holding him back.? With their support, Dave has begun to learn to read and is now enjoying learning new skills and showing off his baking talents working alongside our kitchen team.

“When I’m at Wintercomfort, I feel like I belong.? It’s a happy place.” Dave, Supported by Wintercomfort in 2023

Please support our Christmas Appeal by donating here, and help us to continue to bring life-changing support to those in greatest need in our community. ?

Thank you. ?