Cutbacks threat to team helping the homeless

A vital team which patrols the streets to help the city’s homeless is under threat from funding cuts.

The rough sleeper task force works for the charity Porchlight, but says it will have to be downsized because grants to support the project come to an end this month.

Now bosses are desperately trying to raise £55,000 to avoid the loss of two members, which could result in fewer homeless people getting help.

There are an estimated 50 people sleeping rough in the city, which is visited by members of Porchlight’s 10-strong street patrol team.

It works across east Kent to provide warm clothing and blankets, as well as helping to bring people in from the cold into safe accommodation.

Now the charity is appealing for supporters to donate £8 a month to keep the team together.

Among the many it has helped is former soldier John, who was pushed to breaking point after spending almost a year sleeping rough in Canterbury.

“I’d been caring for my mother, but when she passed away the rent was put up and I couldn’t afford to pay it anymore,” he said.

He spent 11 months sleeping in doorways, parks and anywhere else he could find some shelter from the elements.

He said: “I only had a sleeping bag to keep warm, it was harrowing and I became very ill.”

But John says being offered a room in one of Porchlight’s hostels was an “overwhelming relief”.

“It felt wonderful to be sleeping in a bed after so long of making do on the ground,” he said.

Porchlight chief executive Mike Barret says if all the charity’s supporters donate £ 8 a month it will be able to keep the rough sleeper team together, long into the future.

“For the cost of a cup of coffee a week, they could help people escape the misery of life on the streets,” he said.

‘I only had a sleeping bag to keep warm, it was harrowing and I became very ill’

Donations can be made online via www.porchlight.org. uk/donate or by calling 01227 813199.