Car park sleep-out to support homeless

Monday 07 October 2019

A charity supporting islanders through homelessness, addiction or mental health problems is organising a 'sleep-out’ on top of a multi-storey car park to raise awareness of the perils of sleeping rough.

The Sanctuary Trust, which works across two sites to provide accommodation to homeless men in Jersey and eventually helping them to find work and a place of their own, hopes the fundraiser will give people an idea of what it’s like to get a night’s sleep when exposed to the elements.

Sponsored by Jersey’s social housing provider Andium Homes, the 12-hour sleep-out on 23 November is seeking sign-ups from islanders willing to brave a winter’s night on the twelfth floor of Pier Road car park.

A Ministerial Decision from the Department of Infrastructure has granted permission for the top two floors of the car park to be given over to the event.

The trust has run a similar event before, but this iteration will be “on a larger scale”. Sleepers will gather sponsorship to raise money for the charity’s support services.

“By sleeping out with friends, family or colleagues for just one night, you can show your support for homeless men in Jersey. We would like all participants to fundraise for our cause to help fund the projects and services needed to help these vulnerable men get their lives back on track.”

The Trust also adds: “this won’t be the most comfortable night you’ve ever spent, but we promise it will be one of the most meaningful.”

Participants are encouraged to make the sleep as “authentic” as possible. Sleeping arrangements will be a sheet of cardboard and those taking part must bring their own sleeping bags. They must also bring warm clothes and socks, a pillow and snacks or drinks. Under 16s must also be accompanied by an adult.

Pictured: Participants must bring their own sleeping bag.

The sponsorship from Andium has gone towards funding Stefunk’s mobile cinema, which will be screening ‘A Street Cat named Bob’ - a film about a homeless man and his cat.

There will also be acoustic music, a tuck shop, a wind-down yoga session and a bedtime story.

Hot soup and a breakfast roll will also be given to the sleepers in the morning.