This Winter
KCAH is about to enter an extremely busy time of the year. That is a paradox in it itself ! It feels as though it is always busy here at KCAH. However, as we approach the wintry season, it becomes increasingly hard to find accommodation for those who come to our door and present themselves as homeless. You see, during the year there is normally some kind of regular turnover of clients staying in established hostels and night shelters.
Yet the availability of bed spaces tends to dry up around about now. Why is this? A whole host of reasons no doubt. Perhaps, for instance, some clients preferred to sleep in a tent during the summer and autumn months rather than enter a hostel environment (perceptions of what a hostel is like are not always positive). However, once the wintry weather approaches, the idea of protection from the elements becomes increasingly attractive.
It is hard for KCAH staff and volunteers when they are only able to offer homeless people a blanket, a sleeping bag, a flask of hot drink and some tinned food which they will have to eat cold. That is the reality when there are no hostel spaces available on any particular day. What a marvellous thing, therefore, to be able to refer clients to our very own Kingston Churches Winter Night Shelter which will cater for up to twelve homeless people in Kingston when all other avenues have been exhausted.
A rota of church venues has been arranged so that there will be shelter available for homeless people in Kingston between December 1st and February 28th. The whole scheme is run and organised by volunteers giving up their time to help others. This is following on from the successful pilot that KCAH ran in conjunction with the churches during February 2009.
For me, one of the greatest achievements will be the fact that we are unlikely to have to send clients to “Crisis at Christmas” because the Kingston Night Shelter Scheme will be running throughout the festive season.
It is a shame that this type of facility is needed in Kingston but the fact is, a homeless problem is the reality in our borough. What a great thing, then, that the Mayor of Kingston is championing the cause by raising the issue of homelessness in our community so that this hot topic cannot be brushed under the carpet.
At the same time, I wish to highlight ‘The Big Sleep Out’ event which the YMCA have organised in partnership with KCAH. This will be happening on 30th January 2010 and details have been enclosed with this magazine. All proceeds will be split between the two organisations. Please support this event by taking part and raising money through sponsorship. If you do not fancy the idea of sleeping out for one night to fundraise, then please give generously anyway! This is an amazing event that shows how two partner agencies are working together to tackle the issue of homelessness.
Merry Christmas!
Matt Hatton, Operational Director
