Reality of homelessness dawns on Big Sleep Out fundraisers

The night was organised in support of homelessness charity Caritas, which plans to use the more than £35,000 raised by the event towards building a modular housing community in the island.

People began arriving at the event from 7pm with sleeping bags at the ready, as well as countless layers of warm clothes, hats and scarves.

After spreading themselves around the outside of the venue – with most choosing to make their beds in the car park – the sleepers gathered to hear a few words from Skipton communications manager Julie Todd and Caritas chairman Graham Merfield before attempting to settle down for the night.

This was made all the more difficult by rain showers during the early hours of Saturday morning, during which some of the participants chose to relocate themselves under tents put up by the organisers.

Despite the wet weather and varying amounts of sleep, all the participants made it through the night, and were rewarded with bacon rolls provided by the organisers for breakfast.

Mrs Todd thanked those who took part. She described the event’s atmosphere as ‘emotional’.

‘People were very mindful of why they were there and why they were doing this,’ she said.

‘Homelessness has become a real issue for many people in the island, and with so many struggling, it was felt that the opportunity to try and help Caritas with their plans would be good.’

She praised the ‘inventive’ ways in which people had chosen to keep warm, but admitted that not many participants would have got more than a few hours of sleep.

‘A few people got quite damp when the rain came down, but the difficulties we faced for one night, for some that is not far away from being the daily reality.’

It is estimated that one in 64 Guernsey residents are either homeless – without a permanent roof over their heads – or on the verge of being homeless, and sleeping on friends’ sofas or in cars.

Mr Merfield thanked Skipton for organising the event, and said the charity was overwhelmed by the number of people who had signed up to take part in it.

‘The atmosphere was certainly emotional, thinking of those who have to brave the elements every night of the year, but also one of hope – conversations were being had about what steps can be taken to stop the suffering,’ he said.

‘I am truly humbled by the generosity of the people of Guernsey.’

The estimated capital required for each phase of 12 homes within Caritas’ modular housing plans is £1m., with additional costs for land operations.

The charity is exploring multiple sources of funding, including state support, grants and community donations.