It is currently estimated that the UK alone is host to roughly 320,000 homeless people, that is the equivalent of the population of the Costa Rican capital, San Jose, being forced to live on the streets.

Homelessness is often a subject avoided by the masses, it is regarded as an uncomfortable topic to discuss but as our society evolves to become more inclusive, concern is growing for this section of society. Whether it be due to fear of the unknown, peer opinions, lack of education or cultural differences; many people are ignorant to the reasons behind the growth in UK homelessness and the struggles and isolation that those living on the streets will face.

To try and better the public perception and understanding of homelessness in the UK, Green Motion HQ turned their efforts to raising awareness for the Winter Night Shelter (WNS) Milton Keynes this December. Staff were asked to provide food and 2^nd hand clothe donations to gift to the WNS charity to which everyone happily obliged. However, many chose to offer monetary donations to purchase new items for the service users as well as some providing unworn garments to the collection.

As the temperatures plummet in the UK and money from passers-by become scarcer as the highstreets and malls empty out, we were thankful to be humbly reminded that this usually extravagant time of year is the most desolate for those living on the streets.

A week before Christmas, dedicated WNS volunteer Simon Eady came to collect masses of food, toy, and clothing donations attained by HQ staff. CEO Richard took Simon's visit as an opportunity to discuss other potential ways for Green Motion to contribute towards helping with homelessness in the UK and offered the Winter Night Shelter continuous support along with several boxes of high quality, winter thermals. Simon was overwhelmed by Green Motion’s donations and confirmed our new partnership by gifting the team a certificate of thanks.

The Winter Night Shelter is a UK based charity with locations set up across the country, Green Motion have been working specifically with the Milton Keynes WNS that support the homeless community in the local area. Throughout the week, volunteers work to identify vulnerable individuals on the streets and also run night shelters within public buildings to support those in need. Service users are fondly referred to as ‘guests’ by the charity and are encouraged to wash, socialise, eat and get a warm night sleep whilst staying with the charity. If you’d like to find out more about the amazing work they do and perhaps volunteer or donate then please, follow the link left below.

https://snip.ly/ulw626#https://www.winternightsheltermk.com/