Homelessness goes unseen but becomes apparent at night, as uncovered by the new outreach teams from Partner agencies working with Gravesham Borough Council and members of the Street Pastors and Foodbank teams.

Some people experiencing homelessness can be malnourished and in need of medical help and support, but are unsure of who to turn to. The reasons for homelessness are varied and include:

• People who have lost their jobs and, through a series of incidents, now find themselves unable to find a place to live
• Immigrants, many of whom cannot speak English, that have been trafficked on the promise of jobs and homes which didn’t materialise
• People with social and mental issues who lack proper care and support now find themselves on the street.

Although local government and charitable organisations are seeking to address this problem, the reality is that some will remain homeless over a period of time and make it worse during winter months if on the streets.

The aim of Sanctuary is to be one of several ‘first points of contact’ for the homeless living in the area, help with their basic needs, and point them to agencies that can deal with the issues that keep them on the street.