A Penwortham-based charity is asking people to give up the safety and warmth of their beds for a night, to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
Methodist Action North West’s annual Sleep Out for Fox Street will take place on the Flag Market, on Saturday 8 September.
Communications and Fundraising Coordinator at Methodist Action, Sarah Carrick, said: “For most of us, our bed is a safe, warm place. However many people in our community do not have a bed of their own.
“We have decided to sleep out for one night again, so we can raise funds and awareness, but also to give people an opportunity to experience a little of what it might be like to be homeless.”
Fox Street, based off Fishergate in Preston city centre, provides supported accommodation for up to 20 homeless men. After government funding was cut last year, Methodist Action went on a fundraising drive in order to prevent the shelter from closing its doors.
Read more:Ā How The Foxton Centre is helping Preston put Housing First
Sarah said: “Many individuals, organisations and churches came to our assistance, and we are delighted that the work at Fox Street has continued. This has enabled us to achieve over 95% occupancy over the past 12 months, as the problem of homelessness continues to rise. That stability has allowed us to maximise income from the very limited government funding that remains available.
“Provision at Fox Street has been secured for the next funding period, as long as we continue to receiveĀ a similar level of donations and other gifts. If anyone can help us we will be greatly encouraged.”
Since January 2017, Fox Street has given 63 people a safe and secure place to stay. Working with other agencies, they aim to help residents move on and achieve independence. You can watch former resident Charlie’s story in the video below. After spending time sleeping rough he returned to college and became a support worker at Fox Street.
For more information about the Sleep Out and to register your interest, contact Sarah atĀ sarah.carrick@methodistaction.co.uk orĀ 07749 576296. You can also follow Methodist Action on Facebook and Twitter.
Will you be sleeping out for Fox Street? Let us know in the comments below.