Chance of comfort as winter cold hits streets

Schoolgirl sets example with clothes help

Rough sleepers were provided with a hot meal and a roof over their heads with the launch of a church scheme to help the homeless.

Volunteers at St Francis Church at Cryol Road in South Ashford gathered for the opening of the winter shelter there, where 15 beds were set up.

They cooked a hot shepherd’s pie and also provided tea, biscuits, fruit and vegetables after receiving donations from Marks & Spencer.

It is organised by the Ashford Churches Together Winter Shelter scheme, and co-ordinator Kareen McDonald said there had been a staggering rise in the number of homeless people in Kent in the past year.

There were 21 requests for the winter shelter on the first night, but the church was only able to accommodate 15 people, as temperatures plummeted.

She said: “There’s a huge homeless problem throughout the country, so without the shelter it would have been 15 people on the streets, cold, hungry and shunned by society.

“What we provide is the opportunity to integrate into the community, to speak to people, and be treated without judgment.”

Among those attending was Lee Morris, who has been homeless since he got out of prison. He was able to set up his bed and accept toiletries and cleaning products.

Mr Morris, originally from Manchester, said he had previously had problems with both heroin and alcohol addiction, but had managed to be clean for five years.

However, he continues to struggle with being homeless.

The winter shelter scheme in Ashford will run until March next year, and has already received donations from the public.

Among those collecting warm clothes, hats and scarfs was 12-year-old Highworth pupil Isobelle Bowers, who brought in a dozen bags of warm clothes and toiletries after contacting businesses and appealing for donations.

Isobelle said: “I did it because whenever I see homeless people on the street I feel like I have to do something. Mum told me about different charities and asked me what I would like to do to help.

“I got in touch with Porchlight and have been helping ever since.”

Mrs McDonald has appealed for more volunteers and donations from the community.

To find out more email ashfordwintershelter@gmail. com.

Lee Morris has been homeless for five years, and has beaten his addiction to heroin and alcohol. Right, Isobelle Bowers, 12, with bags of clothes she has collected

Picture: Aidan Barlow FM5021743 Volunteers at the Ashford winter shelter

FM5021742 Lynne Miller and Maggie Heaton in the shelter kitchen