Despite plunging temperatures this week, 11 charities which work with homeless people will take part in the city’s annual sleepout at St Albans Cathedral tonight (Friday).
The event will offer an insight into what it is like to sleep rough, and raise vital funds to help support the homeless.
Open Door, Centre 33 and Emmaus are some of the St Albans-based charities taking part in the 23rd annual event.
The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Frances Leonard, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gill Clark, will also pick up a sleeping bag and brave the cold weather.
Cllr Leonard, said: “The Sleepout is a great event that brings the community together to help raise money for local homeless charities.
“It was a chilly, rainy day when we tested out our equipment and it reminded us just what hardships the homeless have to endure when sleeping out in the cold.”
The event has raised about £620,000 since it began, and those participating hope to increase the amount to £650,000.
Brighton Peyton, chair of Sleepout, said: “The plight of homeless people is most apparent in winter, but is acute all year round.
“We are really pleased that Sleepout continues to receive strong support to help with this need, especially during the season of goodwill to all.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here