We’re a little bit late in getting this post away, but wanted to give a shout-out to Shelter and their “No Home Kit” campaign.
In the space of 90-minutes, 25 households will become homeless, many of whom will be families with children.
For the Boxing Day round of fixtures, Shelter urged fans and clubs alike to swap their home shirts for an away or third kit in a show of solidarity with those facing homelessness at Christmas, whilst helping to raise vital funds for the charity.
Shelter works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing by helping people find and keep a home, campaigning for decent housing for all.
It’s a mission that won’t stop until there’s a home for everyone.
Funds raised from the “No Home Kit” campaign will go towards supporting their fight for housing justice, which includes:
- Offering access to Shelter’s free emergency helpline open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, so that no-one has to face homelessness alone
- one-to-one, personalised advice and support services for people dealing with housing issues and homelessness
- Expert information on Shelter’s website on everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying for housing benefit
- Solicitors who can provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.
Clubs who took part and changed their colours included Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic, whilst Dulwich Hamlet took things a step further, wearing Shelter’s logo on a special version of their away shirts produced by SK Kits.
The Premier League had been invited to take part but initially said Shelter’s plan was against their rules which state the first priority should be for outfield players to wear their home kits unless there is a clash of colours.
A spokesperson said: “The Premier League receives a large number of requests from charities every season however we aren’t able to support all centrally. Clubs are entitled to support charitable causes, and we encourage clubs to do so, provided it is in compliance with Premier League rules.”
However club chief executives later voted against supporting the plan at a shareholder’s meeting on November 11.
Although they may have opted against changing the shirts they wore on the field of play, Premier League teams including Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford all encouraged supporters to wear away kits to games and to back Shelter by donating to the charity.
Football’s position in society makes it the perfect ally in fighting for the thousands of people without anywhere to call home.
So if you can, please support Shelter’s campaign for housing justice through the link below!
Sartorial Soccer 