The MICHELIN Guide and the charity StreetSmart are once again partnering to help raise funds to tackle homelessness across the UK. StreetSmart’s 2025 campaign kicks off on Saturday 1st November and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.
What Is It and How Does It Work?
While enjoying a meal out in a restaurant in November and December, you can spare more than just a thought for those living on the streets by donating through StreetSmart's fundraising scheme. During the last two months of the year, look out for stickers in windows and information cards on tables to identify restaurants taking part.A voluntary donation of £1 will be added to your bill and, at the end of each month, the restaurant will pass the money on to StreetSmart to distribute between their chosen charities. These specialist charities help the homeless with their basic needs, as well as providing resources, mentoring and skills training to help get them back on their feet.
StreetSmart’s operational costs are paid for by their sponsors, LandAid, so every penny raised goes directly to those who need it. Since 1998, 1,224 restaurants have taken part, raising over £15 million for the homeless.
The 2025 Campaign
The latest figures show that, at any one time, 4,667 people are sleeping rough on England's streets and 123,100 households are living in temporary accommodation, so it’s clear that help is required across the UK here and now. StreetSmart operates in 22 cities across the UK. Up to 50 projects benefit each year and for 2025 the charity hopes to beat last year’s fundraising total of just over £1 million. These funds will provide services which include the supply of beds, housing, employment training, and mental health and job support.
How to Get Involved
Restaurant Owners: Sign up here to take part.Diners: Watch this space – in October we will reveal which MICHELIN Guide restaurants are participating this year.
All Images: © StreetSmart, the UK charity helping to tackle homelessness each Christmas.
