Big Chill Sleep Out - A step in the right direction

​Donna Masters, Coordinator of Life without Barriers wrote this in relation to her experience on the night.... I hope it helps bring the experience into reality as much for you as it did for us...

I heard a lot of different views throughout the lead up including a comment regarding the fact it was only one night and how did this raise awareness?    And another who told me it was the attitude of the people who made them homeless.
I work with the homeless in my role every day and have heard many stories.
However what I wasn't prepared for was the reality. 
Yes,  I know it was one night,  but it also gave me an insight that I never expected. 
It was the loneliness when everyone else was asleep,  it was the fear as I heard the pub close that we could be hassled as people walked past.  It was the mist that hit at midnight like a fog and caused all outer covers to be wet,  the condensation that dripped from the under cover in so many spots. The cars that drive through the area at all hours of the night wondering if they would stop.  It was the bitter cold that hit like a brick at 430am and the counting of the minutes until the morning would come only to wonder what do we do now?  And the street lights that finally went out at 630am to bring a darkness over the area until the sun rose. 
I was thankful my children and families were safe and warm. 
I came away with a new perspective on it all. 
I went home and had a long hot shower and went to bed only to wake with a god awful migraine and all I could think was what if I was homeless and had to deal with it.  Another night,  another day. 
I think I know my friends  but we don't always know and we get caught up in our lives so  I reach out to all of you who read this and if you ever find yourself in a situation please reach out because .....yes, it was one night for me but it was absolutely awful and I wish Nobody to ever  go through. ❤❤❤❤

​Kind Regards
Donna Masters
Coordinator
Warren Blackwood Emergency Accommodation Centre