MPs are joining Croydon's first ever 'sleep out' to raise awareness and funding for rough sleepers.

Sarah Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, and Steve Reed MP will be joined by Croydon Council Deputy Leader Councillor Alison Butler as they give up their beds for Boxpark Croydon on Sunday March 24 2019.

All money raised by the event will go to Evolve, a charity providing housing and support to over 2,000 people each year.

Working with partners such as Crisis, Evolve spearheads the ‘CR Zero 2020’ initiative to end rough sleeping in Croydon.

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Civil Society, who has already raised over £1,000 for the charity, said:

“There is a homelessness crisis on our streets with hundreds of people left to bed down outside.

"We can’t just stand by and watch things get worse, so I’m taking part to support Evolve who provide those in need with a safe place to sleep and the help they need to get their lives back on track.”

Alongside headline sponsor Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and host Boxpark Croydon, Evolve are calling on anyone interested in making a positive difference to homelessness to join Sleep Out Croydon.

Over 150 people are already set to take part.

Jeremy Gray, Chief Executive at Evolve said: “We are delighted that Steve Reed MP, Sarah Jones MP and Councillor Alison Butler are taking part in our first ever Sleep Out.

"Myself, our Chair and many of our supporters will be taking part to support homeless people, particularly in and around Croydon.”

“The experience will by no means replicate the tough conditions faced by people sleeping rough in London.

"However, it will mobilise local people and businesses to come together and raise funds to help support a lasting solution to homelessness.

"We are incredibly grateful to headline sponsor Croydon BID, Boxpark Croydon and most importantly of all to the 150 people who have raised significant funds on their road to making Sleep Out Croydon a success.”

The Sleep Out will begin at 9.30pm on Sunday 24th March in Boxpark Croydon, with registration, a cup of tea and words from people with experience of sleeping on the streets.

There is a registration fee of £20 and those participating are required to raise a minimum of £175 in sponsorship - all of which will go towards supporting Evolve’s work with homeless people.

For more information and to sign up to take part visit: www.evolvehousing.org.uk