As the number of people sleeping rough in London continues to rise, an Enfield-based charity that works to prevent homelessness has launched its 2025 winter campaign
The Help Before Homelessness campaign features thought-provoking signs placed throughout Enfield and Haringey boroughs
In the face of falling temperatures and the continuing cost-of-living crisis, All People All Places (APAP) have launched their latest winter campaign: "Help Before Homelessness". The campaign focuses on the early intervention support provided by the charity before individuals and families experience the devastation of homelessness or sleeping rough. A record high of 13,231 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital in 2024/25, a 10% increase on the 11,993 people seen the previous year. That’s 63% higher than the number of people seen sleeping rough 10 years ago (CHAIN 2024/25 annual report).
Running until the end of December, the campaign features a series of striking, thought-provoking signs placed across the two boroughs where APAP operates - Enfield and Haringey. The signs are designed to highlight the hidden realities of homelessness: the bench that becomes a bed; the bus stop that becomes a bedroom.
Each sign will have a QR code that links to the stories behind the campaign. Like Anita, who came to APAP when she and her seven-year-old daughter were asked to leave their accommodation. Living in a shared house, their room was only meant for one person. Anita was told she would soon be evicted but with nowhere else to go, she had no choice but to stay. Every day she feared that she and her daughter could end up homeless. Struggling to access help from her local authority, Anita turned to APAP who were able to support her into new accommodation by liaising with a letting agent and negotiating a reduced rent.
This winter, APAP will again be supported by a wide range of local community partners who are stepping up to take part in fundraising for APAP's vital work. Among them are the 23rd Southgate Scouts, who hold a sleepout every winter, designed to help young people better understand the challenges faced by those sleeping rough. The sleep-out on Sunday saw more than 20 scouts using cardboard, tarpaulin and duct tape to construct their own makeshift homes for the night, putting their sleeping bags inside their boxes.
And for a second year in a row, the Pymmes Park Park Run are fundraising and collecting essential items for those who desperately need it as temperatures fall.
To underline the urgency of the situation, George, CEO of All People All Places, spoke about why the charity is launching this campaign now, stating:
“Homelessness continues to rise at an alarming rate, and far too many people in our community are being pushed to the brink before they can access the help they need. That's why we're proud to launch our 'Help Before Homelessness' campaign, shining a light on the hidden realities of homelessness and on APAPs life-changing early intervention work preventing people from ever reaching the streets.
"With generous match funding from the Aviva Community Fund, every donation will be doubled and go twice as far in helping us protect individuals and families in Enfield and Haringey from losing the place they call home. Together, we can stop homelessness before it starts.”
All proceeds raised through the “Help Before Homelessness” campaign will directly support APAP’s frontline services. These include emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough, specialist housing advice and advocacy including support for those facing eviction, and access to emergency essentials. Every pound donated strengthens APAP’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to those in crisis. APAP is encouraging local residents, businesses, schools, faith groups, and community organisations to get involved. Whether by hosting a fundraiser, taking part in an event, spreading awareness, or making a donation.
Anyone wishing to support APAP’s local response to homelessness can visit the charity’s winter campaign page to find out more, or donate directly via the Aviva crowdfunder page, with all donations matched by the Aviva Community Fund. Every penny goes towards helping people in our community who are either sleeping rough or at risk of losing their homes. By coming together this winter, we can help ensure vulnerable neighbours receive the right support long before homelessness becomes a reality.
