In November and December 2009 StreetSmart raised £455,000.
Since its beginnings in 1998, the scheme has raised and distributed £4.2 million. Year on year we've grown significantly, both in terms of money raised and number of restaurants taking part. Now over 90 homeless charities benefit from the campaign, nine times more than in 1998.
All the charities which receive funds from StreetSmart have been carefully selected and are visited by at least one StreetSmart representative. The projects funded are all aimed at getting people off the streets, and onto their feet again. Some of the money does go to the basics, such as a bed, a shower, a pair of shoes, but the charities we fund don't stop there as that rarely solves the problem. The money goes to those who support people through crucial stages in their progress from vagrant to valued community member:
- Outreach teams search for the 'hidden' homeless; men and women, young and old, alone and vunerable.
- Day centres; basic human needs provided for, companionship and help offered.
- A relationship of trust is built and advice and advocacy offered; family mediation, benefits obtained, accomodation sought.
- Health and well-being issues are addressed; mental health, substance abuse, counselling.
- Supported housing and therapeutic activities.
- Education and training; life skills and employment qualifications.
- Finding a permanent place to live, an occupation in life.
Streetsmart Locations
Charities receive between £500 and £15,000, depending on the project/service to be funded.
The StreetSmart gang, including chairman William Sieghart, trustee Rosie Boycott and supporter Neil Morrissey
