More than 130 islanders will be sleeping on the floor of Pier Road car park tonight to raise awareness and money for Jersey homelessness charity, Sanctuary Trust.
Since its founding in 2011, it has supported more than 400 men at crisis points in their lives; it currently supports 30 at its residence and 40 in the community at any one time.
Its work costs around £2,225 per day, and tonight, more than 130 islanders will raise money and awareness for that work by bedding down at Pier Road car park.
The Sleep Out aims to show that those experiencing homelessness are not a separate group from the rest of the community.
Tim Ringsdore, Chair of the charity, says we are all one bad fortune from losing our place to live:
"We always say you are potentially one pay packet away from being homeless.
"People work right up to the line in terms of paying rent or mortgage, and it doesn't take much for people to fall into a position where they suddenly don't know how they're going to pay for a roof over their head."
It was revealed this month that 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness are in work.
Read: One in three homeless people in work
The quarterly report also showed that people younger than 25 were the largest age group receiving homelessness support, and the reasons given were needing support to manage independently, parents, family or friends no longer being able to provide accommodation, or family breakdowns.
Tim, who has been Chair of the Charity for three years, has completed four sleep-outs, slept out in every parish over a year, and slept out for a whole week whilst still going to work.
He told Channel 103 what he has learnt through his role and his challenges:
"I can't imagine how painful it must be if you are homeless or you're living in a car or accommodation that's not very suitable, and you wake up every morning and think ', I've got to do this every day of my life.'
"It inspires me to keep doing as much as I can, personally, but also with the help of the trust."
Those still wanting to join the Sleep-Out can. There will be hot soup and singing, as well as great community spirit, which Tim says 'demonstrates what a fantastic society we have in Jersey.
It's forecast to be a chilly 4°C overnight. Tim recommends a mat, sleeping bag, eye mask, hot water bottle, and a hat.
Last year, the event raised over £45,000.
This year it has already raised over £57,000. You can donate here: JerseyGiving - Activity: Sleep Out for Sanctuary Trust 2026
Deadline set to bring forward Jersey's whistleblowing law
Microsoft suffers global outage - as fix not going 'as expected'
David Walliams’ books to remain available in Jersey Library and schools
One in three homeless people in work
Fort Regent vision 'was never matched' by a budget that could deliver it, says JHA
Buzzing! Bears and Bees coming to Jersey
JCG Year 7 Choir learn and perform wartime song
Gas bills to go up by 5% in December
Comments
Add a comment