I am a vicar of an active and large parish in a fairly affluent town. Over the past year the number of homeless people coming to Harpenden has increased.
As a church we have agreed that we will be accommodating to those who use our porch as shelter: providing pillows, sleeping bag or duvet, and food as we are able. We also help them contact local homeless shelter Open Door.
I often get people coming to the church asking for money. We rarely give out cash. We do help in other tangible ways which costs us. On occasion we buy food or pay for temporary accommodation.
In the past few months there has been an increase in homeless people coming and giving a story of why they need one more night in a B&B.
They do not want cash, just another night paid.
Investigation reveals they are relying on the sympathy of their homelessness and the fact we will not give cash, to secure ongoing accommodation.
There are just not enough places like Open Door. The housing benefit system has been cut and become too complex. Something isn’t working.
The reality is that homelessness is on the rise. Homelessness in England has risen by a third in the past year according to recent statistics.
As a community, we need to find ways so that the truly needy are being cared for.
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