My friend Julie and I are sleeping outside on 2nd December to raise awareness and raise money for this growing issue in our community. On the morning of 3rd December, we will be able to go back to our own beds, inside, warm and dry. For many who are without a home, Friday 2nd December is just one of many nights sleeping outside, cold, wet, vulnerable, hungry.
We see rough sleepers in London, always chatty and raising a smile, maybe we buy them a coffee but feel quite helpless, or in our ignorance or busyness, think that those with these needs are elsewhere, not on our doorsteps and struggling to get the help they need.
We have a growing homeless problem in the town. Homelessness continues to rise in Basildon and yet the services supporting those who have no home are being cut or are under resourced. There are few hostel places and many of those in positions of influence refuse to accept that there are ANY homeless rough sleepers in Basildon.

Churches Together in Basildon are responding through a Night Shelter and the ongoing work of Street Pastors as well as looking to develop further projects to tackle the roots of homelessness. I'm particularly concerned about young people and young adults who live in unstable accommodation, sofa-surf or end up outside, especially at this time of year.
http://www.stmartinsbasildon.co.uk/churches-together/project-587/

So please give whatever you can - it will all go towards practical and grassroots support for vulnerable people.