Homelessness doesn't take a summer break – something people seeking support at The Archer Project, and our team who work to deliver its services, unfortunately know all too well.
Summer is a favourite time of year for many, with the promise of longer days, festivals, ice cream, barbeques, and holidays on the horizon. But with the fun that summer brings, the brutalities of homelessness can often be forgotten.
Heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburns, social isolation, and heightened risks of abuse are all prevalent in summer for people experiencing homelessness. The Archer Project have launched a Summer Campaign to highlight these factors, while asking for help to raise the funds needed to cover the costs of our vital services.
Our Head of Fundraising, Joe Logan says: "We want to emphasise that homelessness is still an issue in the warmer months, when people don't necessarily recognise it. Awareness of homelessness drops significantly during summer, but we still have to keep up with demand for our services during this time.
"Understandably, people associate a greater need for homelessness services with the winter months. But actually, our team reports consistency in the need for our services throughout the year. Even with the warmer weather, we very recently saw the busiest breakfast service we've ever had at The Project!"
There are lots of different ways you can fundraise as part of The Archer Project's Summer Campaign. Deputy Head of Fundraising, Lucy Wilks says: "Fundraising is a great way to explore something you know you really enjoy, or something you've never tried before! Whether you raise funds individually or in a group – choose something that you find engaging and genuinely want to take part in."
Our Fundraising Team are on hand to discuss plans and ideas to help you make the most of your fundraising experience. Some of our suggestions include:
Social event
Social isolation is one of the biggest threats life on the streets can bring. The loneliness and separation from society can have a devastating impact on the mental health of people experiencing homelessness. Events that bring people together such as a picnic, quiz, bake sale, film night or even a 'speed mating' event can be a brilliant way to spend quality time with others for a good cause.
Dry July
For people in recovery from substance dependency, the increased social drinking during the summer months can be incredibly tough to ignore. A 'Dry July' is a great challenge and if you prefer to take it on with some teammates, you could host a sober social event together.
Sponsored walking challenge
The warm weather is a perfect opportunity for socialising outside in the evening. But groups being out later on summer nights can pose a risk to safety for some people. Fearing abuse on the street, the safest option is often to keep moving, by riding buses or walking long distances. Taking on the challenge of walking a collective distance over the summer months will not only give an important insight into life on the streets, but also raise vital funds.
2024 was The Archer Project's busiest year to date, supporting 1,223 individuals and serving 24,445 meals. In the same period, we facilitated 205 therapeutic activities, and supported 27 individuals establishing stability through volunteering. In the first quarter of 2025, The Project has already supported 554 individuals. And all this with no government funding.
Will you raise funds this summer to help The Archer Project?
Because no matter the season, no one should experience homelessness.
