Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise. According to Shelter, there was an increase in homelessness numbers by 14% when compared with the previous year. This means that, on average, around 1 in 182 people are now homeless, states the same source. 

 

With the global pandemic followed by a Cost of Living Crisis, it has had a detrimental effect on people’s lives, but it’s not a trend that’s set to end any time soon, with experts worrying about a “looming crisis of homelessness”. 

 

Whilst these concerning statistics and worries are ever at the forefront of our minds, there are some things you can do to help those in need in and around London, and we’re on hand to tell you what those things are in this article. From cooking for the homeless to volunteering at a shelter, here are six ways you can help the homeless in the Capital.

 

1. Cook for the homeless with School of Wok

 

Here at School of Wok, we have the opportunity for residents in London to help the homeless by cooking for them. With a dedicated class where we cook double the portions in order to give half to those who need it most in and around the city, it’s never been easier for you to help the homeless in the Capital. Join us here at School of Wok, in the heart of London, for a unique-yet-impactful experience that will help the community with a fostering team behind you, all when undertaking our ‘cook for the homeless’ class.

 

2. Give someone a free breakfast

 

A free breakfast might not seem like it would make a difference to someone’s life, but it’s a small thing that can set someone up for a more comfortable day. Where you could buy a homeless person some breakfast and give it to them, you could, instead, direct them to Eggs & Bread, located in London. 

 

It’s a cosy cafe that is on hand to welcome anyone who is in need throughout the Capital. The only difference being that the person who comes in will cook breakfast for themselves using the ingredients provided. Not only is this giving that person some cooking skills, but it’s also making sure they leave with full and warm tummies.

 

3. Volunteer your time 

 

London is brimming with voluntary opportunities for people who want to help the homeless. Whether you’re looking to donate some cash, food, clothes or toiletries, there are multiple ways in which volunteering your time, in one form or another, can help to change someone’s life or even make someone’s day. 

 

Some people also look to volunteer in soup kitchens and a variety of other organisations and charities who make it their mission to transform lives and standards of living. Use this link to find some volunteering positions in London that might suit you.

 

4. Choose a different place to get your morning coffee from

 

Most of us can’t start our day properly without a morning cup of coffee. But instead of visiting your go-to coffee retailers, buy your morning beverage from Change Please. Essentially, they’re coffee shops that are staffed by people who had, at one time, been homeless. You can find your nearest branch using this link. 

 

In addition, coffee shops like Rise, Second-Shot Coffee and Cafe from Crisis also do amazing work supporting those who either are homeless or have been homeless at one time or another, supplying them with the skills needed to become fully-fledged baristas. In addition, they are also paid a reliable wage for their work. Snub the big coffee retailers for a spell and get one from one of those deserving organisations.

 

5. Make a donation to a food bank

 

If you get home from your weekly food shop and realise that you have bought too much and you aren’t sure what to do with it all, then go down to your local food bank and donate the surplus food you have. 

 

Alternatively, you can always buy something extra everytime you go to the supermarket and then leave it in the donation basket on your way out. The best things to buy if you’re going to donate them to a food bank are dried or canned goods; nothing fresh or that has a short use-by date on it.

 

6. Donate toiletries, clothes & other useful items

 

Where donating food is an exceptional way of helping the homeless in London, it would also be beneficial to donate clothing, toiletries and other useful items that will help to keep the community clean, warm and dry. 

 

There are multiple charities in and around London who you can donate such items to, including Whitechapel Mission and various different shelter shops. With Whitechapel Mission, they are available to receive donations 7 days a week during their opening hours, so there will always be an opportunity for you to donate some goods to them.

 

School of Wok is located in the heart of the hustle and bustle of London, offering cooking classes and corporate events that everyone can enjoy and benefit from. If you would like further information about how you can cook for the homeless, or if you would like to enquire about any additional cookery classes we have available, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today - you can give us a call on 02070189119.