Every night, Marcus finds himself pacing London Road in Barnet, looking for a safe corner to sleep.

He isn’t a statistic. He’s a former carpenter, a neighbour, a person who - until last year - had a home, a job and a life filled with plans.

Then came illness. Then came debt. Then came eviction.

After that, Marcus walked the same streets every night trying to find safety and warmth before sunrise.

This wasn't a choice. This was survival.

Marcus was lucky enough to eventually find a space at the Winter Night Shelter, where he received much more than a safe, warm place to sleep.

There, he found people who championed him and supported him every step of the way. They helped him to regain his confidence, whilst also connecting Marcus to expert, practical support to address his debt and other challenges.

Marcus was able to move into permanent accommodation with the support of staff and volunteers at HAB. But across Barnet, too many people like Marcus are without a home - and without the support systems they need to stay safe.

They walk miles to find shelter. They walk in search of food. They walk in circles late at night to ward off danger and fear.

You might walk these streets every day - to work, to school, to the shops - without a second thought. But imagine if every step carried exhaustion, uncertainty, danger. Imagine walking all night just to sleep.

That’s what “Walk In Their Shoes” is about.

It’s about stepping beyond policy and statistics, and hearing the lived reality behind every name:

Carla, who avoids benches and doorways because of harassment.

Jamal, who waits hours at food banks because he has nowhere to cook.

Liz, who skipped medical appointments because she had no safe place to recover.

This campaign isn’t about sympathy. It’s about justice, and raising much-needed income to fund Homeless Action in Barnet's life-saving work - in the Winter Night Shelter and beyond.

If you’ve ever walked the High Street, the back lanes, the parks at night - we invite you to walk in their shoes.

Not to feel pity - to feel urgency, and to take action for our neighbours in need.

Because homelessness in Barnet isn’t a faceless crisis - it’s neighbours we’ve lost touch with, and neighbours we can still help.

It’s real people needing real change, right here in Barnet.

Please consider giving what you can. Or join us, and Walk In Their Shoes: https://www.habcentre.org/walk-in-their-shoes-2026/