A TEENAGER’S campaign to help the homeless has been welcomed by a charity which says it is having to turn people away.

Angharad Davies, from Langford, Bicester, has set up a petition for a new shelter in the town after witnessing the problem of homelessness on a trip to the USA.

The 17-year-old student at The Cooper School, Bicester, said: “A few weeks ago I went to Boston and saw how bad the problem of homelessness was out there. I wanted to bring this back to investigate the problem in Bicester.

“I came across a homeless man in the town and spoke to him. I asked if I could help and if there was anywhere he could stay and he said there was nowhere to go.

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“It made me realise how much homelessness there is in Bicester compared to the size of our town. There should be something set up.”

Cherwell District Council revealed there were 14 rough sleepers counted in the district last month.

With help from Emmanuel Church in Bicester and the Salvation Army, Miss Davies has set up an online petition that has so far attracted 114 signatures.

It aims to combat the problem and urges that a homeless shelter is created in Bicester to provide accommodation, donated food and clothes, and support those who are homeless to get stable jobs using the shelter as a temporary residence.

Miss Davies said: “The nearest shelter, which is just so crowded, is in Oxford.

“I am hoping the petition raises awareness and hopefully helps to get some facilities set up.”

There are several charities and organisations in Oxford that provide advice, day centre facilities or overnight shelters for the homeless, includling O’Hanlon House, in Luther Street, and Emmaus, in Oxford Road, Cowley.

Emmaus provides accommodation and work for 28 people otherwise at risk of homelessness. Deputy community leader Jon Robson said: “We are absolutely full and have been for several months and have had to turn people away. We have some movement from time to time but the level of rough sleepers has steadily grown and got larger.”

The charity currently has 28 residents, mainly men aged between 20 and 40.

Mr Robson added: “A shelter in Bicester is a great idea.

“We are expected below-freezing temperatures in the lead up to Christmas and I know the local council will set up emergency shelters if the weather gets below a certain temperature.

“These pop-up shelters would be welcomed in the short term but every town should have somewhere for the homeless.”

Miss Davies added: “I am going to get some posters made and speak to my church for more help with this. It is encouraging, many people have been positive and only a few people disagree.”

The online petition is at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/72201

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