HARP, Essex’s leading homelessness charity based in Southend, has launched its ‘A Home for Christmas’ 2025 winter fundraising campaign, calling on the public to help people facing homelessness across Essex during the toughest time of year.

With more than 8,000* people across Essex currently in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, or sleeping rough, HARP is facing exceptionally high demand for its services this winter.

The charity is encouraging people to “ditch the socks” this year and give a gift that truly makes a difference. Through HARP’s online Christmas shop, supporters can give meaningful, life-changing gifts – from a hot meal or a warm bed to a thoughtful present for someone spending Christmas without a home.

 Vanessa Hemmings, CEO of HARP, said:

“I’ve worked in homelessness for over 20 years, and I’ve honestly never seen it this bad before. While many of us gather around warm tables with loved ones, hundreds of people across Essex will spend the festive season without shelter, safety, or warmth.

If you’re thinking about giving back this Christmas, we’d love your support. Whether that’s donating, fundraising, or simply spreading the word. With your help, we can make sure more people feel safe, supported, and valued all year round, not just at Christmas.”

HARP’s ‘A Home for Christmas’ appeal is about more than providing a roof, it’s about restoring dignity, offering compassion, and helping people rebuild their lives.

As well as providing Christmas dinners and gifts for service users, funds raised will support HARP’s Bradbury Day Centre in Southend. Open 365 days a year, it provides essential services including hot meals, warm clothing, safe accommodation, healthcare access, and long-term support to help people move forward.

Volunteer cook Maggie (pictured) shared:

“Many of the people I’ve met while serving food at HARP over the last nine years haven’t had the best start in life. No decorated trees, no pile of presents, and sometimes not even a special Christmas meal. For some, the staff and volunteers at HARP are the closest thing to family during the holidays. We work hard to make the season a little brighter.”

So if you’re looking for a charity to support this Christmas, visit HARP’s online shop at https://bit.ly/4oCTFJO or go to harpsouthend.org.uk to donate.