Child homelessness at Christmas forecast ‘scandalous’, says Christian charity

A forecast issued by Shelter on Wednesday suggested 131,269 youngsters across Britain will spend the season without a permanent roof over their head.

Alastair Welford, the founder of Nicodemus, a Christian charity in Warwickshire which supports young people affected by issues including homelessness, said the figure could be an underestimate.

He told Premier: “I can quite believe it, in fact, if I’m honest, I question that figure, I question whether it’s accurate.

“To me, that number, I would say, is possibly [too] low, if anything.”

The stat includes an expected 9,500 kids who will spend their Christmas in a hostel or bed and breakfast – as well as others who will be in emergency accommodation provided by local authorities.

Shelter found London was the place worst-affected by child homeless, with the borough of Westminster experiencing the highest rates in the country.

Urging more churches to help tackle homelessness, Alastair Welford added: “When you think of the number of churches in this country, if 20 per cent of those started little homeless projects – little marginalised youth projects with some support [from us], it would be incredible.

“What a great witness as well.”

Angel found it tough to deal with the rats and mice while living in a hostel. It’s no place for a child.

If we act now, we can change tomorrow for thousands of families facing homelessness.