Pilgrim's Progress column with Mary Taylor: Off the streets by Christmas

In compassion, as rain and wind batter my house today, I can only applaud this. Shelter, warmth, food and security are the most basic of human needs and it is hard to see people in your own town who lack them.

But anyone who has worked amongst the homeless or vulnerably housed will know these basic needs are just the tip on an iceberg of complexity. Below the water are questions of mental health, addiction, family breakdown or lack of life skills. Whilst it is true that homelessness can happen to anyone, often intermittent street sleepers or sofa surfing are battling enduring and complex needs, not solved by a quick fixes.

There is hard work already in Wakefield supporting the homeless; by the Council, charities and housing associations. Wakefield has a severe weather nightshelter (WMDC/Wakefield Baptist); a daytime support programme (CAP) and Street Kitchen. Reducing homelessness can’t only be a ‘they’ need to fix it problem. Creating a safe and generous neighbourhood is something we can all contribute towards.

For some of us this may be donating to the different initiatives or offering to buy the supplies that will be most useful. Check first. For others it could be volunteering – most initiatives have a range of meaningful work to be done. Views differ but these ways are probably more helpful than giving cash to people on the streets. So in Wakefield will there be enough volunteering to support these initiatives as we go into the winter period? Will the rotas be full? And can we say its not just ‘them’ but all of us who contributed to alleviating homelessness this winter.

Rev Mary Taylor, Baptist Minister