Homelessness challenged from the pulpits

Religious leaders are today marking Homelessness Sunday by demanding action on homelessness and poor housing.

Congregations in more than 2,000 churches will hear sermons about the problems of rough sleeping, the 500,000 families in overcrowded conditions and the 100,000 families in temporary housing.

Churches will also hold concerts and discussion groups, while some have organised sleep-outs and vigils.

Homelessness Sunday is now in its 15th year and is organised by Christian charity Housing Justice.

Chief executive Alison Gelder said: “Nationally we want the government to give priority to housing in the forthcoming comprehensive spending review so that the injustices we¹ve identified can begin to be tackled.”