Like many others, before Lent begins this year on 5 March you will probably choose to ‘give up’ a luxury you don’t need, something basic you can go without, or to get rid of a bad habit for good.

Church Housing Trust will be providing a helping hand, with suggestions on our Twitter and Facebook feeds of something small to do every day (which you can also view on the ‘Contact’ page of the website). These range from the simple but effective “give up screens”, where you take an evening off of television, to the more soul-searching: give up your time to volunteer, or finally plan something you have always dreamed of doing.

In taking these modest actions you’ll be making choices that many homeless people don’t have the chance to make. But the hostels we support provide safe housing where people can regain the right to choose how they live their lives. Once food, heating and a place to sleep are taken care of, these people have a chance to sort out their problems and look forward to a better future. Projects provide more than a warm bed and nourishing meals; they give hope, encouragement and opportunities.

Whatever you are doing, please think about combining your activities with donating to homeless people, who don’t have a choice about what they give up. Now more than ever, take time to think about not only what you can give up, but what you can give.

We hope you will join us for a successful and rejuvenating Lent!