I’m urging people to support a fundraising appeal by Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), which has joined with the Big Give Christmas Challenge to make the most of donations made this week.

Donations made to BHT as soon as possible this morning and as close to 10am as possible tomorrow (Saturday) will receive match funding, doubling their worth!

It's possible to donate outside of these times, although match-funding may not be available.

Online donations are matched on a first come, first served basis and will be matched as long as there are funds still available.  

 BHT is an incredible charity that provides an invaluable service in the city.

Last year it helped 11,434 people through housing, advice, addiction and mental health services in Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings.

It prevented 4,116 households from becoming homeless and helped a record number of clients into work.

Since 2010 homelessness has begun to rise and BHT has found that it’s seeing more people who are ‘first-time homeless’ and are having to deal with the devastation of losing their home and sleeping in their car, in a hostel or on the street.

As a local charity, providing support to local people, BHT can guarantee that donations will have a direct impact on our local community.

 Please do consider donating this morning or tomorrow at 10am at http://new.thebiggive.org.uk/project/firstbase 

Thank you.