Cogent helps local charity fight homelessness with ‘Eviction Survival Kit’ billboard

• Homeless charity covers billboard in items used by homeless people to survive on the streets during the cold winter season.

• Located in London, the billboard features a tent, gloves, sleeping bag and many other items sought after by homeless people to stay dry and warm.

• The campaign launches at a time when thousands of tenants face being removed from their homes after government plans to ban no-fault evictions were delayed.

All People All Places (APAP), a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable people overcome homelessness, has today unveiled a hard-hitting new billboard in London, filled with items essential for surviving on the streets in the harsh winter months.

The billboard is the brainchild of APAP and Cogent, an independent marketing agency that counts high-profile brands among its clients such as Ora, Aldo, Arriva, Bacofoil, and Warwick Castle. Cogent and APAP’s aim is to highlight the stark reality of life on the streets caused by eviction during the housing crisis.

The campaign comes at a crucial time, as temperatures begin to drop and homelessness is on the rise. Recent data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) reveals that between just April and June this year 73,660 UK households were deemed to be owed a housing duty by their Local Authority. 

A City Hall report reveals that almost 300 London renters are facing ‘no-fault’ evictions every week. The number of rough sleepers in the capital has also surged – a 21% increase compared to last year, according to the Greater London Authority (GLA).

These figures stand in stark contrast to the recent remarks of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who last month described rough sleeping as a “lifestyle choice” when defending her policy to limit tent usage by the homeless on the streets of Britain.

Darren Giles, Creative Director at Cogent, said: “In the midst of the alarming statistics surrounding the current housing crisis, our ‘Eviction Survival Kit’ campaign shows the human impact of escalating rents and evictions in London.”

“Behind these stark numbers are real stories of those who face the harsh realities of homelessness every day – individuals and families who rely on the continued help and support of All People All Places, to prevent them facing a life on the streets.”

George Dunstall, CEO at APAP, said: “It’s time we all recognised that homelessness is a devastating issue affecting our whole nation, regardless of political ideologies. The increase in no-fault eviction notices being served means more individuals and families are facing the real prospect of sleeping on the streets this Christmas.”

“Rough sleeping has risen exponentially in the capital this year as a result of the housing crisis, but this has been compounded by a sharp increase in Section 21 No Fault evictions.”

Most items featured on APAP’s billboard are designed to protect against the harsh winter weather, such as a tent, sleeping bag, gloves, puffer jacket and a hot water bottle. Others bring emotional comfort to families, like a child’s teddy.

APAP is hoping the campaign will inspire people to donate, so they can help more people facing eviction and homelessness this winter.

Dunstall said: “We needed an eye-catching visual to sum up what our campaign stands for. It’s all about raising awareness of an ongoing issue in desperate need of a solution.”

“In our day centre and night shelter provision we see the people and families behind those numbers – the lives disrupted, the school days missed, and the jobs lost. Homelessness can happen to anyone.”

The ‘Eviction Survival Kit’ billboard will be in place on the corner between Seven Sisters Road and St Ann’s Road (N15 6NP) between 11^th – 24^th December.

To donate to All People All Places, please visit https://www.allpeopleallplaces.org/eviction

Source: Cogent

  Advertising, All People All Places, Campaign, charity, Cogent, Homelessness, London, Marketing, UK