Food for thought

Today in the UK there are around 90,000 families in temporary accommodation, 122,000 homeless children and 52,000 homeless young people.  There are also around 400,000 ‘hidden homeless’ who stay with friends or family as ‘sofa surfers’ until they out-stay their welcome and find themselves back on the streets again.

Gullands rallied round over the Christmas period and collected a number of food donations as well as hats, scarves and gloves for Maidstone charity, Homeless Care.  Through its What’s Hot campaign, Homeless Care collects non-perishable food items to provide essential food parcels for those who would otherwise go hungry.

Homeless Care is part of Maidstone Day Centre, which is run by Maidstone Christian Care.  All donations are vital in helping them to improve the lives of homeless and vulnerable people in Maidstone. The Maidstone Day Centre, which is open every morning Monday to Saturday, provides the homeless with hot food, showers and laundry facilities, basic training and skills to find jobs, and assistance with medical issues such as addiction.  Above all it is a place to feel safe, warm and comfortable.

Organiser of the collection, commented: “It was a really good collection and the charity were so grateful.  By donating practical items like food and clothing there is a real sense that you are directly making a difference to the homeless community. Whilst most of us over-indulge in food around the Christmas period, there are too many people in our community who are not fortunate to have access to any food at all.”

To find out more about Homeless Care and the Maidstone Day Centre visit www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk