Thousands raised as charities team up to tackle homelessness in Hertfordshire at Sleepout at home fundraiser

Five local homeless charities combined forces to host a Sleepout at home event to raise awareness and money for those facing homelessness this winter in Hertfordshire.

Over 240 people took part in the Sleepout at home fundraiser on Friday, November 20.

The charities usually run the St Albans Sleepout event at Oaklands College, but this year, the lockdown meant that sleepers were asked to sleep out at home on cardboard, in a tent, an outside bench or on floors or sofas for one night.

A Zoom event during the evening connected the sleepers together and created a community feel, where videos of support were shared from the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, the Mayor of St Albans and Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans.

Information about the positive way in which the charities have helped people during this difficult year, a quiz and inspirational live music from local artists Elie Rees, Julian Mount and The Maida Vales completed the line up.

Maeve Cowley took part in the Sleepout at home, she said: "Still buzzing and feeling elated from being part of such an amazing event. Thank you to the organisers for making it fun but also reminding us of the importance of why we’re doing it."

The Sleepout at home event has so far raised over £30,000 for:

- Centre 33

- Emmaus

- Herts Young Homeless

- Open Door- The Living Room.

Caroline Neill, fundraising and communications manager for Herts Young Homeless, said: "This has been an extremely difficult year for all of the charities, as their income from community and events fundraising has been severely reduced due to the pandemic, at a time when demand for their services is growing due to the financial and wellbeing pressures on many of their services users.

"We are extremely grateful that the local community has risen to the challenge and we would like to say a huge thank you to our event sponsor, Morgan Sindall Property Services, the sleepers themselves as well as the family, friends and businesses who have sponsored them."