Caritas Launch Advent Appeal: No Room at the Inn
Sunday 15th November 2020Campaigning for those without a permanent ‘forever’ home.
When we think about homelessness, our thoughts often turn to those souls sleeping rough in a shop doorway or on a park bench. Of course, sadly we really all know that the problem is so much greater than that. There are countless people ‘sofa surfing’ – the term given to those relying on friends, family and even casual acquaintances to put them up for a night.
And then there is the shocking statistic of ‘hidden homelessness’ affecting families, highlighted recently:
A child is made homeless every 8 minutes in Britain*. A staggering 135,000 children are living in temporary accommodation – bed and breakfasts and hostels – totally unsuitable for family life.
No room at the Inn
Pope Francis reminds us that when Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, “there was no room at the inn and no place for the stranger from afar.”
Launching early to coincide with World Day of the Poor, this year’s Caritas Advent Appeal will raise funds for all of those without a permanent home.
A special video coming soon, will feature Rochelle, Nikki and Quinton who have all experienced homelessness and are sharing their unique personal story to highlight how they were helped by the love and support of a Caritas frontline service. Their stories are introduced by actor, John Thomson, who was himself a benefactor of Caritas Catholic Children’s Rescue Society, adopted to his ‘forever home’ as a baby.
The short film will be shared with parishes and via Caritas social media feeds and will use the hashtag #MiracleOfKindness, a reference to the recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti in which Pope Francis calls for kindness to be recovered because it is a star “shining in the midst of darkness.”
Fundraising has been almost impossible this year. But the need for our services is greater than ever. We hope these personal stories of hope will leave an impression that calls for action and shine a light into the darkness.
If you would like to run a virtual fundraiser for this appeal, please speak to Rachel Taylor on 0161 817 2285 or by email r.taylor@caritassalford.org.uk
How to donate to Caritas Advent Appeal
UK tax payers please remember to Gift Aid your donation to add 25% to your donation at no extra charge to you.
Debit/credit card. Use the Donate button on the website and put Advent Appeal in the comments box. You can choose to make a one-off or regular donation.
Text. Text BEKIND to 70460 to donate £10. Gift Aid will make your donation worth £12.50 at no extra cost to you. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work occasionally. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to hear from us, text BEKINDNOINFO to 70460.
Cheque: Made payable to Caritas Diocese of Salford, please mark the envelope Advent Appeal and include your full name and contact details.
Post to Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP
