Plymouth homelessness charity, Path, launches winter appeal as housing crisis deepens

With temperatures set to fall and winter conditions worsening, Plymouth homelessness charity Path (Plymouth Access to Housing) has launched its Winter Appeal, calling on the community to support people facing homelessness during the most dangerous months of the year.

The campaign began with the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025, running from midday on 2 December to 9 December, during which all donations to Path will be doubled through match funding from national donors and local business pledgers.

The appeal comes as Plymouth experiences what Path describes as a severe and escalating housing crisis. Affordable homes are becoming scarce, rents continue to surge, and homelessness is “alarmingly normalised.” Over the past four years, households in temporary accommodation have risen by 90%, including a 21% increase in families with children, while the number of people sleeping rough has doubled since 2023. Many of those affected have complex needs, requiring coordinated support across health, housing and social care services.

Last year alone, Path supported more than 1,700 people. Its outreach teams helped 421 individuals, while around 350 people were safely housed every night through the charity’s services.

Central to this year’s campaign is a new video highlighting the story of Darren, who experienced years of homelessness in Plymouth and has rebuilt his life with Path’s support.

Darren says: “It’s the loneliness, really, that’s the worst part of it all. When you’re trying to beat drugs as well, it makes it doubly hard being on the streets - you feel like you’ve got no help. It just feels like there’s no end to it.

“Path gave me more than just a roof over my head. They gave me a place to live and a reason to hope.”

Now sober, reconnecting with family and preparing to move into permanent housing, Darren’s story illustrates the life-changing impact of timely support.

Steve Lawson, Path’s Rough Sleeper Support Team Manager, said: “Winter is a brutal time for those sleeping rough; it’s cold, it’s wet, and it’s isolating. Mental health declines rapidly, and the struggle to stay safe becomes overwhelming. That’s why our focus is on wellbeing and emergency response. When the temperature drops, our commitment rises, to keep people warm, safe, and supported.”

Path CEO Victoria Allen added that the appeal comes at a critical moment: “Plymouth is in the grip of a deepening housing emergency. Rough sleeping is rising, temporary accommodation is full, and people are being pushed into impossible choices between food, bills, and rent. Darren’s story shows what’s possible when someone gets the right support at the right time. With help from our community and The Big Give, we can make sure more people find not just shelter, but hope and a future.”

The Big Give Christmas Challenge will match all donations made between 2–9 December, doubling their impact. Early pledges from local organisations including Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, Ashgrove Kitchens, MR Mortgages, Paul Dollins Accountants and Councillor Chris Penberthy, have already contributed £2,500, which national funders will match.

Funds raised will support emergency outreach, warm clothing, food, housing support and safe accommodation. They will also strengthen Path’s Hardship Fund, which provides essentials such as toiletries, travel and emergency shelter.

Even small donations, the charity says, can provide crucial warmth and dignity, and during Big Give week, every pound will go twice as far.

To watch Darren’s story and support the Winter Appeal, visit: Path Winter Appeal: Hope Begins with a Home – Big Give.

The charity is urging the community to act now to ensure no one in Plymouth faces the cold alone this winter.