Northamptonshire homeless charity says sleep-out event is crucial
'I had no other options'
Ahead of the fundraiser, a 50 year-old man, who asked not to be identified, said the thought of where he would be without the charity "terrifies" him.He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) how he fell on hard times and turned to the Hope Centre for support.He ended up sofa-surfing with friends for a year, after his marriage broke down and he was not able to work for health reasons.At the start of the year, he began staying at the Hope Centre's winter night shelter.
"I've never had to ask for help but I had no other options; there was nowhere else for me to go," he said."Being here has kept me off the street - I've got a warm place, I've got a bed, but the biggest thing is you have got a support team here."This place wouldn't be here if it weren't for people going the extra mile."If you're willing to accept the help, they'll do whatever they can in their power to help you."
Adam Brown, Conservative leader of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), will be taking part in the event this year. He told the LDRS : "It's an absolutely fantastic charity. It's not just about giving people a meal or making them comfortable on the streets, but also providing complete turnarounds in people's lives."I'm conscious of the fact that despite going out and being very cold for the night it will still be nowhere near the reality."But I think it's good to grasp those opportunities when they come along and get even a small insight."
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