Burnley businessman appeals for public to show care and compassion for the homeless as plans for night shelter take shape

Mark Hanson made the plea in light of revelations recently from Burnley Pastor Mick Fleming, who is spearheading the night shelter campaign, that the homeless problem in the town has reached crisis point with the warning that people are dying on the streets.

Mark, who owns Quicker Skips in Clifton Street, said: there was 'no doubt' the homeless problem in Burnley was on the rise with people from all walks of life now affected, from teenagers and young people in their 20s to ex servicemen who have spent so long in the armed forces they aren't equipped or ready to deal with everyday life.

He said: "A small gesture such as a smile or saying hello could make all the difference to someone who has literally nothing.

"Don't just pass them by without a second glance, any of us could be in that position, no-one knows what's in the future and it is our duty to bring up the next generation to have compassion and care for people who find themselves homeless.

"I would like to see the entire community get involved in this problem and not just think it is someone else's responsibility."

He added: "There are many reasons why people find themselves homeless, from mental health problems to those suffering with drug and alcohol addiction to those who just cannot cope with life and all the responsibilities it brings."

Through the Church on the Street ministry and Burnley Against Poverty, the group set up to highlight the help and support available in and around the town and to bring together like minded people to supply the need in the community, Pastor Fleming came up with the idea for the night shelter.

Mark is on board with the scheme which will offer rough sleepers an unconditional room for the night. They can have a shower, a brew and a bed for the night with breakfast the following morning.

He added: "The shelter is the first step towards getting them off the streets and equipping them with the tools to start a new life so they have some purpose and focus which they may have lost."

Plans are on the cards to offer rehabilitation and also put a training programme in place for people to learn different skills and have work experience so they can look for a job.

Mark, who is dad to Matthew (25), 21-year-old Ross, Jack (15), Charlie (eight) and seven-year-old Ella, said: "This project is about giving these people the means to have a life and do things that many of us take for granted, like getting out of bed in the morning to do a hard day's graft."

Several businesses and charities have pledged their support for the shelter and it received a massive boost when kind hearted plumber James Anderson made a donation of £5,000. He has also offered to cover the shelter's plumbing and heating maintenance.

James was compelled to help as he himself has experienced being homeless as a teenager on the streets of London and Bristol which he likened to being 'isolated from society.'

Mark added: "The support for the shelter is tremendous, from big name businesses to smaller concerns and also from charities too."