22 December 2011
This year Crisis, the
UK’s national single homeless charity, will hold its 40th ‘Crisis
at Christmas’ event for homeless and vulnerably housed people in
the capital.
The event will run from Friday 23 December to
Friday 30 December and will see over 8,000 volunteers providing an
estimated 3,000 guests in London with hot meals, companionship and
a variety of services including housing and legal advice, a hair
cut, clothes repairs or dental care.
Alongside the four day-centres established
across London at North London, Bermondsey, Hammersmith and
Stratford, Capita Symonds has facilitated the use of empty office
space in York House, Pentonville Road, as free temporary overflow
space for the charity.
The space, which has been fitted out by Capita
Symonds to provide residential facilities, will accommodate
approximately 150 people, providing those in need with a few days
respite from hunger and the cold over the busy Christmas period. It
will also provide access to a wide range of services including
advice, healthcare, dentists, podiatrists, hairdressing, clothing,
internet cafes and other services.
Mike Jones, Head of Property Services for Capita Symonds, said:
“Charities like Crisis do an amazing job especially at Christmas
time and we knew that this vacant space would be an ideal overflow
facility for them. When we contacted our client and explained
the critical role their empty accommodation could play in helping
London’s most vulnerable, they were really happy to be able to get
behind the idea and support Crisis.”
Mick Bateman, Head of Crisis At Christmas,
added: “’Crisis at Christmas’ centres provide far more than just
food and a bed - they are places of engagement, comfort and
interaction for our guests. We are always on the look out for
additional properties and the Crisis set-up team is experienced in
creating stimulating and comfortable environments that are far
removed from the traditional image of ‘shelters' and ‘soup
kitchens'.
“These environments allow our guests to
receive services and enjoy their Christmas with dignity and in a
place that makes them feel valued. Thank you to all those landlords
who help us with much needed free accommodation.”