In our society, it has sadly become too commonplace to overlook the harsh reality faced by many families. Children growing up in cramped quarters with their siblings, having meals on a bed due to the absence of a table, sharing bathrooms with strangers, and hearing their parents fret about where they will sleep next month—it’s a situation that should never be normalized.
While some label it as a housing crisis, the term “crisis” implies a sudden event. What we are actually witnessing is a long-standing failure that has been allowed to fester in plain view.
Having personally visited such living spaces and met these families, I have witnessed firsthand the distressing conditions they endure: mold encroaching on walls, living out of bags, enduring constant leaks, and lacking basic furniture. Children have confided in me their embarrassment over inviting friends home, fearing judgment about their living situation.
Every time I share these experiences, the same question lingers: How did we allow it to deteriorate to this extent?
Mere excuses of a stretched system, blaming councils, governments, or budget constraints are insufficient. Behind each justification lies a child who will wake up on Christmas morning in a place that should never have been their reality. While the nation revels in festivities, countless young individuals will awaken in makeshift accommodations such as converted offices, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and supposedly temporary flats that offer no real sense of temporariness.
This is why I initiated the GoFundMe campaign “172,000 Reasons to Give.” I refuse to stand by as homeless children are overlooked during a time when generosity abounds. Through this campaign, every donation, minus transaction fees, directly benefits children in need through gift cards. This approach empowers parents to select personalized and meaningful gifts for their kids without bureaucratic hurdles or delays—just immediate assistance.
Collaborating with schools in high homelessness areas ensures targeted support for families most in need. A modest donation of £30 secures a gift for one child, which may seem small to many but carries immense significance for a child living in temporary housing. It communicates that someone cared enough to ensure they aren’t forgotten during the festive season.
Beyond material gifts, this campaign challenges societal apathy and the normalization of unacceptable living conditions. If we cannot guarantee every child a secure and stable home, the least we can do is affirm their worth.
If you wish to contribute, either through donations or by spreading awareness of the campaign, your involvement can make a tangible impact. With 172,000 reasons compelling action, remember that it only takes one individual to spark change.
Support the campaign at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/172000-reasons-to-give