More than £30,000 has been raised for Wycombe Homeless Connection after numerous participants signed up for this year’s Big Sleepout.
The event sees people ‘sleep rough’ in designated areas to replicate what those who are homeless are currently experiencing.
This year, those who took part slept at Adams Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers, along with school playgrounds, churchyards and back gardens.
The most recent sleepout occurred in the evening of March 2 and into the morning of March 3.
Heather Stanley, WHC’s Fundraising Manager, said: “The government’s plan to end rough sleeping by 2024 has failed.
"We are increasingly busy, recently doubling the amount of support we offer in Chesham and making sure our support centre and helpline are open for all who need them.
“Other charities and services in the area are under increasing pressure, meaning we are expecting to help more people who have lost their homes this year.”
“Our thanks go to everyone who braved the frost and bitter cold on Saturday night.
"Without them, their sponsors, and the support of our community we wouldn’t be able to be here to help people who are homeless find hope and safety.
“Nor could we do our work which prevents hundreds of people each year from losing their home in the first place.”
Jonathan, aged 11, who slept in his garden under a tarpaulin cover with his eight-year-old brother Aaron said: “I didn’t sleep all that well.
“It was quite chilly and I kept waking up but I didn’t want to have a hot water bottle because homeless people don’t have them.”
Wycombe Homeless Connection is a charity that helps people who have become homeless or are facing homelessness in south Buckinghamshire.
The charities’ services are free and available to people who have lost their homes or are worried about losing them.
To get in touch, call 01494 446 699 or go to www.wyhoc.org.uk.
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