Meet Isaac.

Isaac is 28. He’s an Office Manager, and lives in Monkston.

But nobody sees his poverty, and nobody knows his struggle.

Nobody knows that he is struggling because he dresses smartly for work and all his colleague like his upbeat and cheerful demeaner.

Nobody knows that behind that cheerful smile, he hides the fact that he split up with his wife and is now homeless.

Nobody knows that he still has to pay the mortgage and support his children, so he can’t afford to rent a place.

Nobody knows that he is sleeping in his car and turning up early to work to wash and shave.

Nobody knows that he is constantly afraid of having his things stolen, being beaten up, or worse.

Nobody knows that he is starting to lose hope.

Nobody knows because nobody really sees him. He’s invisible, and so is his desperate situation.

If you knew, what would you do?

Poverty is now a reality for many families in Milton Keynes but we don’t always see the people and the children affected. They live in our neighbourhood but they’re often invisible to us.

MK Community Foundation's Cost-of-Living appeal aims to raise funds from businesses and residents to help support more people like Lucy.

How you can help:

There are many ways for you to get involved and support the appeal.

1) Make a donation

Every penny donated to this appeal will directly fund charities and projects that will support their local communities through the Winter months of a cost-of-living crisis.

Every donation, from £10 to £1000 will help change a life.

2) Create your own fundraising page

Tap the orange button labelled 'Start Fundraising' at the top of this page - here you can securely raise funds and support the cost-of-living appeal.

You could host a coffee morning, a festive jumper day, a sponsored challenge, or something completely unique. You'll become part of a community committed to supporting those who need it most.

3) Share this page with your family and colleagues

Help spread awareness of this appeal and the challenges facing residents in our Milton Keynes.

- More than 1 in 3 children in MK live in poverty.

- Over 8000 households are in fuel poverty.

- 43% of Universal Credit claimants are in work.

- 12% of neighbourhoods in MK are in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK.

Together, we can ensure help reaches those who need it most, when they need it most.