A number of us with a big heart for London and its unhoused and rough sleeping population, are dedicated to raising a much needed £20k for Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) through the 'SCT's Big Sleepout 2024' event.

SCT is a small charity that is committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable people with drug and alcohol addictions who are facing homelessness. SCT does not receive direct government funding and relies on the generosity of supporters to carry out its life-changing work.

This Thursday 10th October 2024, in honour of World Homeless Day, a few friends of Bow Church will be sleeping outside to draw attention to the issue of homelessness, and raise vital funds for SCT during the 'SCT Big Sleep Out 2024' event.

The current situation in London is dire, with 11,993 people seen rough sleeping during 2023/24 - a staggering 58% increase from 10 years ago. Homelessness in London has become a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent action.

We appreciate that for some of you who may not live in London, this issue may seem far away, but for your friends and loved ones who do live in London, this issue is very real and heart-breaking. Simply put, we need all of our friends and family's support to raise this amount!

The funds raised for Spitalfields Crypt Trust will contribute towards crucial initiatives such as:

- A residential addiction treatment programme;

- Move-on housing, where people can rebuild their lives;

- Training and development sessions that enable people to discover new skills and self-confidence; and

- Housing First, giving extremely vulnerable adults direct access to long-term housing.

Please join us in making a difference by donating to this cause. Your support will help more individuals find life beyond homelessness and addiction. Together, we can bring hope and positive change to those in need!

A big thank you from all of us for your kindness and generosity!

Love,

Friends of Bow Church