Our stores across London are getting behind homelessness campaign from Crisis

Colleagues at our stores in London are getting behind a campaign to get rough sleepers off the streets of the capital and into somewhere warm this winter.

Asda stores in London are supporting the Crisis at Christmas campaign to tackle homelessness

Community champions, such as Caroline Pettican from our Charlton store, and Kerry Shanona, the manager at our Lewisham store, were happy to donate essentials such as pasta, cereals, tea, coffee and toiletries to the Crisis at Christmas campaign which has been extended into 2023.

The service provides people who are currently sleeping rough with accommodation during some of the coldest weeks of the year, along with wraparound support to end their homelessness for good.

Jo Warner, Asda’s Senior Director for Community, said: “We were delighted to support the Crisis at Christmas campaign, helping people experiencing homelessness make the best possible start in the comfort and safety of a new home.

"We provided a number of cupboard staples such as pasta, cereals, tea, coffee and toiletries - basic essentials that we hope will ease the transition into more permanent accommodation.”

Other businesses have joined Asda in helping the campaign. IKEA donated kitchen supplies including pots and pans, cutlery, mugs and glasses, along with home furnishings such as duvets, towels and blankets while The Good Things Foundation donated sim cards and mobile phones.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, met Caroline at a Crisis at Christmas service in Newham where he announced £75m funding for up to 800 new homes for rough sleepers with complex needs and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Matt Downie, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: “Our services are just the start of someone’s journey and to end their homelessness long-term we need accommodation that is safe and affordable. That’s why this funding for more homes for people to rebuild their lives in is hugely welcome.

And Petra Salva OBE ,Director of Rough Sleeping and Migrants at St Mungo’s, said: “The recent cold snap exemplifies why the extension of this project is needed, freezing temperatures can kill and this will ensure people have somewhere safe and warm to stay. It’s equally important that people can access the right support to help them move off the street for good, something we at St Mungo’s offer all year round.”