Crypt supports focus on poverty and homelessness week

Chris Fields, CEO of St George’s Crypt, one of the country’s best known charities dealing with homelessness and relate issues, says today that breaking down barriers between rich and poor has never been more important.

In a video interview published today on The Crypt’s YouTube Channel marking Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (28 Jan-5 February) Mr Fields says: “Breaking down barriers is what we are all about. That is the theme of next week and it is something we believe in passionately at the Crypt.”

He adds: “This is a week which is very important in the Christian calendar. The gap between rich and poor is growing: that is a statistical fact. We need people to respond in a variety of ways: through cash, time, expertise, whatever they can give.

St George’s Crypt has responded to increased needs in the recession by harnessing all its resources to ensure that extra needs are met.

Organisers of Poverty & Homelessness Action Week 2012 claim the gap between rich and poor is widening and they hope to  challenge the barriers of misunderstanding, stigma and injustice that result.

Barriers created by unfair benefits rules and inadequate wages, by the stigma attached to being poor or homeless, and by the growing gap between the richest and poorest people in our society are also the focus of the week. It runs from Saturday 28 January 2012, through to Sunday 5 February, and includes both Homelessness Sunday and Poverty Action Sunday. 

Mr Fields says in the film: “We have the resources, time and supporters to work with people in 2012. This is a big year for the Crypt and we need your support.”