Sleep at St James Park to raise funds and awareness for Exeter’s homeless. Join the Big Sleep Out!
Exeter City Community Trust runs this in partnership with Exeter City Football Club. They have housing support which assists homeless people and helps them keep housing, allowing them to contribute to society.
The Big Sleep Out is on March 14 and is hosted at St James Park. Sleep there for one night to raise money for housing support and to understand the struggles homeless people face.
St Petrocks says over 600 people face homelessness in Exeter yearly. The Trust started housing support in 2021. They help residents learn needed skills, building skills to keep housing.
This service focuses on life skills. It builds confidence for living alone and represents a compassionate approach. The charity empowers individuals to overcome barriers and gain long-term stability.
Residents come from many backgrounds, including veterans and single parents, and others who flee domestic violence or are care leavers. Others face hardship or are at risk of losing housing; mostly, the council refers them.
Jamie Vittles leads Exeter City Community Trust. He knows homelessness is growing and wants to make a difference. They offer safe housing and support to rebuild lives and help people gain independence.
He thanks everyone who signed up, who will sleep outside in solidarity to understand what homeless people face and to see the hardships of vulnerable people.
The Big Sleep Out raises funds and also raises awareness. It shows the challenges people without homes face. Bring warm clothes and bedding, and keep a positive attitude on hand; the evening will show reflection.