Former Soldier Sets Up Brigade Of Volunteers To Help Combat Homelessness

A veteran from Leeds has mobilised an army of volunteers to try to ease the problem of homelessness in cities in Yorkshire.

After chatting to a homeless man on his way to work one night, Prince of Wales Own Regiment Veteran David Hedley set up a page on facebook to support the homeless people of Leeds. 

Now his morning kitchens feed around 70 people a day, but their success saddens Dave because he strongly feels they shouldn't be needed.

The kitchens are held three mornings and one evening every week, and the people who attend come from all walks of life. Many of them are ex-military.

The statistics on homelessness amongst veterans give a mixed picture. 

A Mirror report claimed that 1 in 10 rough sleepers are ex-forces, though other research indicates it may be closer to 3 or 4 per cent.  

But regardless of their background, it’s clear all those helped by Dave’s Facebook group are hugely grateful.

The group has come about just as a senior MP recently raised the issue of homelessness in Parliament after it emerged the MoD disposes of thousands of unused ration packs every year.

For his part, Dave has also managed to get local businesses behind his cause, recruiting help from the likes of Greggs, Morrisons and Tescos, who’ve been making weekly collections from their staff.

Since starting the project, David has also set up kitchens in Wakefield and Bradford and has more planned to help those in Pontefract and Rotherham. 

His mobilisation of well-meaning people is encouraging, even if's sad that there is such a huge need for them in the UK in 2017.