ROUGH SLEEP TO HIGHLIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN KENDAL
ROUGH SLEEP TO HIGHLIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN KENDAL
Posted: January 28, 2012
South Lakes MP Tim Farron’s sleeping rough tonight, in the open air at Kendal Castle.
He’s being joined by Councillors, to raise awareness of the number of local homeless people who have to sleep rough every night.
Local charity Manna House says it met with 56 people who live on the street last year.
It’s feared that number is just the tip of the iceberg.
Commenting today Tim said: “There are hundreds of people in South Lakeland who are inadequately housed, some of whom sleep rough. Sleeping rough for a night allows me to get a better understanding of what people have to do every day and it is a reminder why we need more affordable home locally. That is why I want local councillors to come and join us especially those who are against more affordable homes.”
“Affordable, high quality housing should be available to all and this is why I am doing all I can to promote sustainable development in our community. When I sleep rough I know that when the sun comes up I can go home to my family, but many of the rough sleepers have to carry on. This issue is incredibly close to my heart and I am doing everything I can eradicate the scourge of homelessness in the South Lakes.
“Manna House does an outstanding job in supporting people in desperate need. I cannot pay a high enough tribute to Jonathan Brook, Marc Kelly and the team at Manna House. I am pleased to have the chance to support them by again spending a night out at the castle with them – I just hope councillors come and join me.”
Peter Thornton, South Lakeland District Council portfolio holder for Housing and Development further commented: “When Tim mentioned this to me I signed up straight away. Being able to learn about homelessness first hand will be incredibly useful and the opportunity to talk to people about the desperate need for truly affordable housing for local people. Homelessness is an awful blight on our community and the council is doing everything we can to deal with the problem to provide everyone with a roof over their heads.”
