2001/2002  Annual Report
West London Initiative on Single Homelessness		The People Who Fundraise

In recent years, we have found that it is still possible to raise funds for work with homeless people but it is getting harder. Government statistics suggest that homelessness has largely been solved. But the charities actually working with homeless people have widely condemned the statistics and report that every night, in London alone, many people are unable to find a hostel space.
Also, while there has undoubtedly been a small reduction in the total number of rough sleepers, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of people housed in precarious circumstances; people who, without significant long term support for the underlying causes of their homelessness (support which is rarely in place), can all too easily end up back on the streets again.
Meanwhile, WISH continues to focus on two important groups: first, there is the “hard core” of homeless people who are most vulnerable and have little chance of being “re-integrated into society”. Our experience and contacts in West London mean that we have can reach those people and offer them at least some basic support.  Secondly, there is the increasing number of people who have some form of insecure housing but who are largely cut off from other people and for whom Christmas, in particular, can be a very lonely time. We know that the difference we can make to the quality of their Christmas has lasting effects all year round.
 

Name	Matthew
Day job	Actuary
WISH jobs	Member of Management Committee Fundraising Roof Night Shift Leader
Favourite Cheese	Dolcelatte
How WISH makes a difference
	From raising funds for WISH, I know that many people are concerned about homelessness but don’t know how best to help. Also people want to know that whatever they give will be used efficiently and will meet real needs. People who give money or gifts in kind to WISH can be assured that their donation will be put to good use due to our vast experience. We at WISH are 100% volunteers, so our running costs are minimal. And our particular focus is on the most vulnerable homeless people, so donors know their support goes to the neediest.

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