As the evenings grow darker, the nation begins its festive preparations. The sights and sounds of Christmas are everywhere, with families planning gatherings, shopping for presents, and stocking up on festive treats to celebrate with loved ones.
Amidst this seasonal cheer, the stark reality of homelessness remains ever-present. In a quiet doorway, a rough sleeper with a donated coffee to help fend off the cold, lonely. During December, many shoppers pause to offer food, money, or small gifts to those on the streets a gesture of goodwill inspired by the Christmas spirit.
But when the festive lights are packed away, and January sales take centre stage, that same kindness often disappears. Shoppers stride past rough sleepers, immersed in their thoughts or phone calls, as Christmas becomes a distant memory. It begs the question: should our compassion be so fleeting?
Across the UK, homelessness has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living, Section 21 evictions, skyrocketing utility and food prices, and economic instability. Yet for those sleeping rough, the festive season brings little change to their circumstances. While many of us are surrounded by warmth and family, they remain on the streets, cold, estranged, and struggling with the same battles they face the rest of the year.
Christmas is often called the “Season of Goodwill,” a sentiment immortalised by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Like Scrooge’s transformation, the holidays inspire many to give generously and show compassion. But this long-standing tradition of festive charity raises a troubling point: why do we associate homelessness with Christmas alone?
During December, the outpouring of generosity is overwhelming. Charities like the Newbury Soup Kitchen witness extraordinary support, from Wishlist donations to offers of volunteer time. This kindness helps sustain vital services for rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals well into the winter months.
When January arrives the phones become silent, and offers of fundraising, donations, and support dwindle. Does our burst of generosity during Christmas serve to appease our consciences, making us feel we have done something good for the year? Why do most of us stop when Christmas ends?
The festive surge of goodwill may bring temporary relief to rough sleepers, but homelessness is a year-round crisis. Regrettably, we must decline many offers of assistance during Christmas week, and we apologise for that. Our volunteers undergo vetting and training procedures, including DBS checks, and we can’t allow volunteers into the sessions until these processes are complete. While well-intentioned people are wonderful, we must prioritise our clients’ and volunteers’ safety.
Newbury Soup Kitchen, volunteers work tirelessly to provide food and support to up to 150 people across three weekly sessions, with outreach teams operating throughout the week. For individuals like founder and CEO Meryl, outreach worker Kate, and operational manager Lou, their commitment to addressing homelessness doesn’t end with the festive season.
As we navigate this challenging period, perhaps it’s time to rethink our approach to charity. Small acts of kindness—whether volunteering, donating, or simply reaching out—can make an extraordinary difference. Local charities across the UK are in constant need of funds, volunteers, and resources. By engaging with them, we can turn fleeting goodwill into meaningful, lasting change.
Homelessness is not just a seasonal issue. As we reflect on the spirit of Christmas, let’s carry its message of compassion into every day of the year. Together, we can help build a community that supports its most vulnerable, not just at Christmas, but always.