Path Launches Winter Appeal to Help People Facing Homelessness in Plymouth

Path’s Winter Appeal 2025

Big Give Winter Appeal Doubles Donations for Path this Winter

As our temperatures are set to drop and winter takes hold, Plymouth homelessness charity Path has launched its Winter Appeal calling on the community to help people facing homelessness through the coldest and most dangerous months of the year.

The appeal launches with the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025, running from midday 2th to 9th December, when every donation made to Path will be doubled, thanks to match funding from national donors and local business pledgers.

Plymouth is currently experiencing a severe and worsening housing crisis. Affordable housing is rapidly disappearing, rents are continuously increasing, and homelessness is becoming alarmingly normalized. Over the past four years, there has been a 90% increase in households living in temporary accommodation, including a 21% rise in families with children. The number of people experiencing rough sleeping has also risen, with the count of those sleeping outdoors doubling since 2023. Many individuals affected by this crisis have complex needs, requiring multiple layers of support, care, and health services. Behind every statistic are real people facing tremendous pressure. The demand for housing support is increasing each year. Last year, over 1,700 people were assisted, with 421 receiving help through outreach programs and approximately 350 individuals safely housed each night through the charity's services.

At the heart of this year’s appeal is a moving new video sharing the real story of Darren, who has rebuilt his life after years of homelessness. After years on the streets of Plymouth battling addiction and isolation, he found his way forward 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 his family, and preparing to move into a permanent home, Darren’s story is a powerful reminder of what community support can achieve.

Steve Lawson, Path’s Rough Sleeper Support Team Manager says, ‘“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’s CEO, Victoria Allen says this winter’s campaign comes at a critical time:

“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.”

Homelessness is rarely caused by a single event. It often stems from a combination of rising rents, low incomes, domestic abuse, poor health, job loss, and relationship breakdowns, alongside a critical shortage of affordable housing in Plymouth. For those already struggling, one setback can lead to crisis. Path’s mission is to step in before that happens — and to help people rebuild their lives when it does.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs for one week only — from Tuesday 2nd December to Tuesday 9th December 2025 — and will match every pound donated to Path, doubling the impact of each contribution.

Early support from local pledgers — including Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, Ashgrove Kitchens, MR Mortgages, Paul Dollins Accountants, and Councillor Chris Penberthy — has already raised £2,500, which will be matched by national funders to launch the campaign.

Donations to the Winter Appeal will fund emergency outreach, warm clothing, food, housing support, and safe accommodation for people in crisis. They will also strengthen Path’s Hardship Fund, providing essentials like travel, toiletries, and emergency shelter — small but life-changing interventions that can mean the difference between surviving and not.

Every gift counts. A small donation can provide warmth and dignity; a larger one can help someone take their first step from the streets into safety. And during The Big Give week, it will count double.

To watch Darren’s story and support Path’s Winter Appeal, visit

Path Winter Appeal: Hope Begins with a Home – Big Give

Donations made through The Big Give Christmas Challenge (2nd–9th December 2025) will be matched pound-for-pound, helping Path reach twice as many people in need.

Together, we can make sure no one in Plymouth faces the cold alone this winter.