On Friday 3rd March, myself and other fundraisers will be bedding down for the night in a cardboard box outside the YMCA with the aim to not only experience the conditions rough sleepers have to endure every night, but to also gain sponsorship and raise much needed money for the YMCA.
It is only through working at the YMCA in the finance department that I have learnt that homelessness is a big problem in Milton Keynes. Currently there are 80 known sleepers in the city, but the figures are probably higher than this.
The YMCA is the only emergency accommodation available to 18-35 year old's in the City.
It also recognises the need for young people to secure long term accommodation whilst developing the necessary life skills to achieve independence.
The YMCA aims to tackle social exclusion through the provision of safe and secure accommodation as well as the delivery of learning, volunteering and social activity programmes.
There are many reasons for homelessness,these include, relationship breakdowns, mental health, domestic abuse,exploitation,drug abuse and alcoholism.
We all know that there are some that do not want help, but there are many more that do. That is why I am taking on this challenge. I have been very fortunate in my life, and I have not faced anywhere near as difficult a challenge as many of these young people do. In years to come I would hate for my children to have to sleep rough as they have nowhere else to go.
Please donate as much as you can, and share this page with all that you can.
