There is an unprecedented number of children who are homeless in London today. In Newham the problem is acute.

For a child under-5 having no permanent home can mean:

nowhere to play, nowhere to prepare healthy meals, sharing a bed with siblings or adults, not being able to keep clean enough, struggling to store and keep clothes clean, living in a single room with your whole family.

But the hardships are not just practical and physical - it is the damage that we don't see that is worries us the most. Under fives witness parents in crisis, who are constantly struggling to make ends meet, who are anxious, or depressed. And all before they even reach school...

We can't solve the housing crisis, but we do aim to make life better, practically, materially, socially and emotionally, for families during their time in temporary, overcrowded or insecure accommodation.

We provide a stay and play, a healthy snack and nutritious lunch. A safe space for kids to play, make a mess, get creative, go a bit crazy. While mum sits and has a bit of time to think, to stare in to space, to make essential phone calls or to chat to others who are in a similar situation. A respite from the day to day struggle.

When mums are ready we can offer on-site advice from experts such as Shelter housing advisors, Health visitors, Children's Centre Family support workers, Workplace Newham, Domestic violence workers, and legal advisors to help with immigration issues.

We believe all kids have the right to play, friendships, and a strong bond with their parents - with your help we can make this happen for families in Newham.

In six months we have already seen 63 families. We have offered food, nappies, clothes, support, friendships, a social network, and - more important than any of that - somewhere to be in day.

The level of destitution we see is difficult to imagine. Mums are having to choose between food and sanitary items. laundry and nappies are a constant worry for them. Many have been deemed to have no recourse to public funds - so are subsisting on £37 a week.

The money raised here will go towards paying for travel to and from the project (Many of our mums simply do not have the £1.50 bus fare to get to us). Nappies and sanitary items for families, and the odd treat of a day out or something similar.

At present we are paying out £200 a week in nappies. We are doing it because we feel as though a clean, comfortable bum is the very least any baby can expect. But it is more about dignity, choice and showing mums that there is love and hope in the world.

We want our most vulnerable families to feel that the rest of us care. So please support us if you can.