A MAJOR county-wide scheme to raise awareness of the rising number of homeless people in Worcestershire saw kind-hearted Evesham residents donate more than 80 items of clothing to help.
The ‘I am Not Lost’ campaign came to Evesham on Sunday (February 24) evening and saw volunteers, including members of the town’s Labour Party, distribute warm clothing around Market Square.
Organised by the Worcestershire Homeless Appeal, the Evesham event was one of number across the county which offered a unique way to help those less fortunate.
Picked up by many local towns and villages it has involved hundreds of pieces of warm clothing such as coasts and scarves being tied to railings and posts with the message ‘I am not lost’ to encourage those in need to take them.
There are thought to be up to 20 homeless people currently living in and around Evesham which is part of much wider problem across the country.
According to the Labour Party, in 2017 eighteen homeless people died in Birmingham, rough sleeping in Manchester was up to 120 last year and there were five deaths in Oxford over a ten week period December to February this year.
All donated items were placed in Market Square for homeless people to take if needed while organisers also handed out scarves and gloves to homeless people they saw while out on the streets.
As well as helping local homeless people, the event also drew attention to the rising number of homeless on our streets and was organised locally by Mary Campbell.
“It is a responsibility of local and national Government to ensure food, clothing and shelter for all its citizens, in that context these figures are quite shocking,” she said.
“The generosity of local residents has been astounding.
“Let’s hope the town and district councils can step up and start to provide some cold weather refuge in our local area.
“This was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate we care, we are aware and ultimately are proud to Keep Evesham Warm,” she added.
Visit www.facebook.com/worcestershirehomelessappeal for more on the appeal.
