To mark Homeless Sunday, a charity is urging people to write to their MP to help end homelessness.

Churches across the nation will be discussing homelessness today, and charity Emmaus is urging MPs to bring back the homelessness reduction bill and attend the bill’s debate on January 27.

If it is passed, it will change law and enable councils in England to take action to reduce homelessness and prevent people from becoming homeless.

It would be the first reform of England’s homelessness legislation in 40 years.

The charity is hoping people will follow in the footsteps of their founder and catholic priest Abbé Pierre.

In 1954, angered by the deaths of homeless women and children, Mr Pierre appealed to the French nation via radio to bring blankets and warm clothes. Now known as the Uprising of Kindness, this act triggered the Emmaus movement.

Simon Grainge, chief executive of Emmaus UK, said: “In 1954 Abbé Pierre was inspired to act and change the lives of the homeless in Paris.

“Homelessness still remains as prevalent now as it did in 1954, so Emmaus is urging people to contact their local MP and encourage them to attend the next Homelessness Reduction Bill debate on January 27.

If the bill were to become law, it would be a huge step in the right direction in greatly improving the support available to those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in England.”

Tony Ferrier, CEO of Emmaus, said: "We in Hertfordshire are fortunate to live in one of the most prosperous counties yet our community with its 35 formerly homeless people is always full, and we also have people on a waiting list.

"There are 11 other homelessness charities in our area, all stretched beyond capacity. We urge you to write to your MP and help make the change."