Cold Nights, Hard Truths: Community Sleepout Exposes the Reality of Homelessness
On the night of 13 November, Harjinder Singh, joined many local volunteers in the annual Sleepout in Milton Keynes to raise funds and awareness for The Bus Shelter (MK) a crucial charity providing shelter and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Harjinder Singh, CEO of Smarta Healthcare, takes Part in Milton Keynes Sleepout to Raise Awareness for the Growing Homelessness Crisis around Bedford and Milton Keynes
On the night of 13 November, Harjinder Singh, joined many local volunteers in the annual Sleepout in Milton Keynes to raise funds and awareness for The Bus Shelter (MK) a crucial charity providing shelter and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Under the fierce winds and relentless rain of Storm Claudia, Harjinder spent the night outside with only the bare essentials a small window into the daily reality that thousands endure across the UK.
“After only one night in the freezing cold, I felt vulnerable, uncomfortable, and overwhelmed,” Harjinder shared. “But what struck me most was knowing that, for so many people, this isn’t an experience, it’s an everyday struggle. Nobody deserves to live with that level of uncertainty and hardship.”
Homelessness is not confined to one town or one group of people. It is a local, national, and global crisis, rooted in complex and often unexpected circumstances: job loss, family breakdown, mental health difficulties, social isolation, illness, addiction, or simply a sudden change in life that strips away someone’s stability.
“It can happen to anyone overnight,” Harjinder stressed. “An individual circumstances can crumble through pressures at work, personal difficulties, financial strain, health issues, or social challenges. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. This is a human issue, and it needs a human response.”
The impact of homelessness extends far beyond the absence of a roof. It erodes a person’s sense of safety, dignity, mental well-being, and belonging. Harjinder noted that even one night was emotionally draining a stark reminder of the resilience required by people who face this reality every single day.
As winter is coming upon us, the cold grows harsher, the nights grow longer, and the struggle for those without a home becomes even more unforgiving. This is the time when our compassion matters most.
Yet even in the face of hardship, there are shining examples of humanity at its best. Harjinder highlighted the quiet, consistent efforts of local volunteer groups such as Akaal Seva in Bedford started the Bedford Langar Project. for the past 12 years, on the first and last Sunday of every month, volunteers gather in Pigeon Square to serve hot curry and fresh meals to anyone in need.
“This kind of selfless service shows the power of small acts done with big hearts,” Harjinder said. “A hot meal may seem simple, but for someone who is struggling, it can mean warmth, dignity, and hope. These volunteers show us what community really looks like.”
Inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Harjinder emphasised the Sikh principle of ‘Sarbat da Bhalla’ translated as “may everyone prosper; may everyone flourish; may everyone experience well-being.”
“This isn’t just a prayer,” he explained. “It’s a call to action. Guru Nanak taught us to stand up for the vulnerable and to serve without judgment. Every act of kindness a meal, a donation, a conversation, or political advocacy makes a meaningful difference.”
Harjinder is urging the wider community to step forward, in whatever way they can, to help confront the homelessness crisis. Support can take many forms:
• Donating to local charities
• Volunteering time or skills
• Providing food, essentials, or warmth
• Raising awareness in your circles
• Advocating for policy change
• Simply choosing empathy over indifference
“These may seem like small steps,” Harjinder Singh said, “but for someone who feels invisible, they can be life-changing. Together, we can ensure that nobody is left behind, nobody is forgotten, and nobody is left out in the cold.”
Smarta Healthcare remain committed to supporting community-led initiatives and will continue encouraging others to get involved. Real change begins when we choose to care and when we act on that care.
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