Good Causes Grantham

By KT-UK on 08 Jan 2020

A couple of our Commanders did the charity sleep-out at Grantham House on Friday 6th December and helped raise £392 out of the approximately £6,000 that was raised towards a permanent shelter for the homeless in Grantham. About 30 people took part in the event in the grounds of the National Trust property.

The rector of St Wulfram's Church, and partner churches in Grantham have launched ‘Grantham Ark’, which will see churches open their doors during the harshest winter months to those who need shelter and set up a permanent emergency shelter in the town.

When asked why they were prepared to sleep out” Their replies were on the same wavelength we have always thought there should never be any homelessness and the governments over the past few years have been letting their people down. Everybody should have a room they can sleep in, we would hate to think I would have to live like this in the foreseeable future."

Some doing the sleepout set up their cardboard and canvas shelters in the garden. All those that were spoken to over the night had the same message, that it is important we can raise the issue of homelessness. And we think it's important we experience something of what the homeless can experience first-hand, They said homelessness can happen to anybody.

It was also pointed out "Homelessness is a hidden thing. It is not just rough sleepers, it is also those who are sofa surfing, those who don't have anywhere to call home, and it's getting worse." The event was also attended by a few people who are homeless and living on the streets of Grantham. It was brought up that there needs to be more support for single people to get housing. Everybody should be equal."

The idea is for the sleep-out to become an annual event and will be much bigger next year with schools and organisations invited to take part watch this space we know of two that will be there and hope to get more of our members involved in the future.