8:20pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
By Ben Perrin
CHRISTMAS is a lonely time of year for many homeless people on Swindon’s streets.
Now more than 40 people will experience sleeping rough to raise funds for the Swindon homeless charity Threshold.
Money generated from this year’s sleepout will go into funding front-line services.
The charity’s direct access hostel Culvery Court in Harding Street has had to turn away homeless people this year.
“Last year we had to say no on 581 occasions because we were full,” said Threshold spokeswoman Linda Page.
“The hostel accommodated 214 people and we managed to assist 42 per cent into more suitable and more permanent accommodation.
“Our outreach services saw almost 300 people and negotiated accommodation placements for more than 100 homeless people in the last 12 months. They also assisted 190 people to access appropriate healthcare benefits and other specialist support agencies.
“We raised between £14,000 and £15,000 last year, so we are hoping for the same again.
“People often think that homelessness is associated with dirty people who are on drugs, but that is not necessary the case.
“It could be that someone’s relationship has broken down or they have lost their job.
“Christmas is a happy time of the year people can spend with their family but for some it may not work out that way.”
Linda says the charity is urging as many people as possible to attend the event and support the homeless this Christmas.
She said: “There will be pallets there so at least people will be off the cold floor but it will still be a challenging night’s sleep. Sleepout will provide you with a night to remember, but for others December 5 will be just one of many they want to forget.”
The sleepout will be held tomorrow at the Immanuel United Reform Church in Upham Road and will take place between 8pm and 6am. To entertain the volunteers a live performance by musician Anna Page will take place at 8pm.
For more information and to get involved call 01793 524661 or email admin@thl.org.uk. Log on to donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/thl/donate.
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