COUNCILLOR Daniel Lister is sleeping rough in Hereford City Centre on Friday, October 5th, to raise money for the Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP) charity.

SHYPP provides 16 to 25 year olds across Herefordshire with housing, training and employment opportunities. They also provide a range of accommodation suitable for young people at different stages of their lives.

Cllr Lister told the Ross Gazette how he had plans already for October 5th, and then he found out about the event online. One Ross resident told Cllr Lister he would donate £20 if he took part. Cllr Lister said: “I probably wouldn’t have done it, but as soon as one resident offered to put £20 towards it for SHYPP I thought ‘why not? It’s worth taking part for a definite donation to those in need.”

Cllr Lister will arrive at around 6pm with just a sleeping bag, along with other people who are taking part. He told the Ross Gazette: “It’s a cause close to my heart. If it wasn’t for the Youth Workers who helped me when I was homeless, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Even after I was evicted from my half-way house, there was still one Youth Worker who always stuck by me and helped me out.”

Cllr Lister explained how he believes solving the homelessness crisis in Britain starts with changing our attitudes as a society. He said: “I often hear people criticising the people on the streets in Ross-on-Wye. But they are people too. If you talk to them, you’ll find out they have a story, they have a life. People need to be more accepting.”

He went on to describe his experience on the streets: “The first night I ever spent outside, homeless, was in Norwich. I was so scared, I didn’t sleep the whole night. To keep warm you could stuff newspaper between layers of clothing, or sleep on cardboard which acted as an insulator.”

Cllr Lister expressed his gratitude for the Salvation Army, who he said would walk on the streets giving out food to anyone in need. He hopes to raise awareness about homelessness, while also raising funds to aid those in need.