Acclaimed actor, director and writer David Schneider has written and directed a short film to mark Crisis’ 50th anniversary and encourage supporters to help end homelessness for good. The film, starring comedians Jo Brand and Joe Lycett, aired yesterday on Sunday 17 December, the date the national homelessness charity came into existence 50 years ago. Crisis shared the video on their Twitter feed:
Crisis turns 50 today and @iamjobrand and @joelycett are here to tell you how you can help us make sure we're not needed in another 50 years. Join Jo and Joe and sign up to our #EverybodyIn campaign: https://t.co/1F8pehIql5 pic.twitter.com/Ywq3nNhwLh
— Crisis (@crisis_uk) December 17, 2017
Jo Brand, who has been a Crisis supporter for nearly a decade said: “I was delighted to be asked to mark the 50th anniversary of Crisis with the hilarious Joe Lycett. Using humour to get the message across doesn’t make the problem any less serious and the fact that Crisis has had to be around for 50 years is depressing. However, thank God that they are because so many people need their truly valuable help. Happy Anniversary Crisis. Let’s hope you’re not around in another 50 years!”
While Jo Lycett said: “It was a fabulous honour to be involved in making the Crisis 50th birthday video with David and Jo. Homelessness is a big issue in my home town of Brum and around the country, and it’s something we can change. Don’t think when you walk past a homeless person that you can’t help, you can, by joining the Crisis Everybody In campaign you’ll make a stand against homelessness so that Crisis doesn’t have to be around in another 50 years’ time.”
David Schneider said: “I’ve been a long-time supporter of Crisis and the work they do so I jumped at the chance to make a video for them, with Jo Brand and Joe Lycett as well! What’s not to like? It’s so shocking that it’s 50 years since Crisis was founded and homelessness is still such a scar on our society. There’s no reason why, in one of the richest countries in the world, homelessness should still be so prevalent. And so visibly growing.
I really like the clarity and ballsiness of Crisis’ message on this one: we can end homelessness. We can end it! Yes, it will take political will, yes, the public must be galvanised, but think about that: we could end it. I hope everyone who watches this joins us to back Crisis’ campaign.”
“We at Crisis would like to extend a huge thanks to our incredible supporters Jo Brand, Joe Lycett and David Schneider for all their help and support in raising awareness of Crisis’ plan to end homelessness as we turn 50.” Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said, “While our anniversary is nothing to celebrate, it’s an important opportunity to highlight that homelessness is not inevitable. We now need the public’s help so we won’t be needed in another 50 years’ time. By signing up to our Everyone In campaign today you can help us end homelessness once and for all.”
Crisis was formed in 1967 by politicians Bill Shearman and Ian McLeod, who joined forces with a network of activists working to raise awareness of homelessness. Since then, Crisis has helped tens of thousands of people out of homelessness; successfully campaigned for policy changes including the Homelessness Reduction Act which passed into law earlier this year; and been backed by many high-profile politicians and celebrities, including long-time supporter Jo Brand who has championed the cause for many years.
The charity runs year-round services to help people step out of homelessness for good, and is well-known for its Crisis at Christmas services, which provide everything from shelter, food, medical support, job and house coaching, and companionship to homeless people over the festive season.
Now 50 years on, homelessness is still rising due to soaring living costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and changes to the welfare system. Crisis is working on a plan to end homelessness for good and asking the public to support it by joining the Everybody In campaign here.