I am lucky enough to have a home. 

A lot of people don't. 

The homeless community is a really important cause for me; I was a volunteer at the homeless charity The Upper Room in West London, and a director of it, for 10 years. 

On 9 October 2015 I will be joining up with 300 people to sleep on the pavement at the Duke of York Square, Chelsea. I will have nothing but sleeping bags and cardboard to raise awareness of homelessness and to support Glass Door, which coordinates shelter and support for homeless people in partnership with churches across West London.

Let me tell you about Cristian. 

Cristian, 21, came to Glass Door after sleeping on the streets for weeks. He stayed in their shelters over the winter, where caseworkers helped him get certifications for construction work. Glass Door allowed him to stay in the shelters and use the showers and laundry facilities while he saved up enough for a deposit on a flat. He's now off the streets, but still visits from time to time in the drop-in for lunch. He's made friends, reminding everyone that it's the intangible things like community that Glass Door can offer the men and women who most sorely need it. 

There are many - too many - people with stories like Cristian's. 

The charity relies on the funds generated to run two night shelters every night from November to April, providing spaces and meals for 70 men and women a night.

For more information on the Glass Door Sleep Out, please go online to www.glassdoor.org.uk.

I would be really grateful if you would consider making a donation to this most worthy charity. 

With all best wishes

Simon

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