This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 27 November 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Almost 100 people took part in Wycombe Homeless Connection's
"Big Sleepout" on Friday 20 th November.
The event raised well over £30,000 to help local homeless people rebuild their lives. Using cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting to keep out the biting winds and - yes - snow, hardy volunteers slept out overnight at three locations: 58 took part at All Saints'Church in the centre of High Wycombe; 17 at St Mary's in Beaconsfield; and 22 at All Saints' in Marlow. A reporter from Wycombe Sound, the pop-up radio station in the town, even slept out himself after he'd broadcast live from the scene.
Louise Coupland, previously a rough sleeper herself, judged the cardboard shelters for their aesthetic and practical qualities. Sheena Dykes, WHC Chair of Trustees said: "It makes such a difference to know that we have secured that level of funding.
Just as importantly, we have engaged with a huge number of local people who have clearly demonstrated their support for what we do.
We are so very grateful. "Wycombe Homeless Connection first opened the doors to its winter night shelter in January 2008, as a project of local churches.
It also now has an advice and support centre open every weekday morning in the town centre for homeless and vulnerably housed individuals.