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“I volunteer because it could so easily be my son”

People become homeless for many reasons: from a lack of affordable housing to relationship breakdown, from domestic abuse to health issues. It can happen to anyone.

Take Ed Mitchell, a former BBC presenter earning a six-figure salary who was found living on the streets of Hove. Thankfully, with help, he is now in recovery and has moved on.

According to Shelter there are around 354,000 homeless people in England, including 161,500 children. Every day in England more than 400 households lose their homes.

Lewes Open Door offers a warm welcome to our local homeless, a listening ear and practical support: from housing applications, to registering with a GP, to help getting to hospital, to a sleeping bag, thermals and toiletries.

A facility in Lewes, providing private rental temporary accommodation for around 20 previously homeless people, is likely to close soon. We need donations to help support them, for example with transport, with deposits and providing some essentials they will need to rebuild their lives.

Any support you can give will make a real difference.

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