Holy Trinity Night Shelter manager David Perry urges caution and compassion as beggars target Bishop’s Stortford town centre

The manager of Bishop’s Stortford’s winter night shelter for the homeless is perturbed by an increase in begging in the town centre and has advice for residents anxious to help.

Men asking for money have been sitting outside WH Smith in South Street, Pret A Manger in Potter Street and Aldi on London Road.

Holy Trinity Night Shelter and Community Outreach manager David Perry has spoken to them and, after he explained his role as refuge manager, became concerned about their stories.

He feared their plight might not be genuine or that they were being exploited by others. As a result, he wants to offer guidance on how the community can respond safely and compassionately.

David writes: “What would you do if you saw someone begging on the street in the town? It’s easy enough just to toss some money in the cup in front of them and keep going, but what if you asked them why they are there.

“If they answered that they were homeless, you could tell them that there was a night shelter not too far away at Holy Trinity.

“If they were genuinely in need of a warm place to stay, would that person complaining of being hungry, cold and lonely really turn this offer down?

“Unfortunately, we see people taking advantage of our community’s goodwill by pretending to be homeless just to get your money.

“We also know that ruthless individuals and groups force vulnerable human beings to beg on the streets and are treated as a commodity. Nothing is ever black or white in these situations.

“This past week I have encountered two such situations which sadly prove this is true.

“The first was a guy who was first outside WH Smith then moved further up the street. When I approached him, there was a lady asking him why he was there and what he needed.

“I listened as ‘Alex’ told her that he was trying to get enough money to stay in a local shelter, in Stansted. When I introduced myself and said that I was able to help, his English was replaced by non-committal shrugging.

“After the lady had deposited a couple of coins into his cup and left, I turned on my translation app and asked him some direct questions about his circumstances.

“I told him that if he was genuinely in need, I was able to help. He was not interested, instead insisting that he wanted the money to return home.

“As I had witnessed him being given at least £40 since talking with him, I didn’t offer to pay for the flight. I bought him a hot chocolate and wished him well.

“The second guy was, I believe, part of an organisation, willing or otherwise, that uses individuals who look a certain way to tug at the heartstrings.

“We know of people who have literally been sold by their families into modern-day slavery because their disability or behaviour is a burden on them.

“In our experience, those in genuine need will take any and all help offered.

“In the modern world, everything is set at such a fast pace that it is often easier not to take the time to engage with someone on the street.

“But if you could just spend a few minutes talking with them, safely, it could just open your eyes to a part of the world that is often hidden.”

David, Holy Trinity Night Shelter trustees and a team of volunteers provide winter accommodation for rough sleepers and year-round support for the homeless.

Last winter, the South Street refuge welcomed 19 guests and helped 10 to find a new permanent or temporary home.

The charity, founded in 2015 by former Holy Trinity vicar the Rev Canon Mandy Brown, cost around £50,000 to run in 2023. It relies on donations for at least 70% of its funding.

The shelter opens at the start of December. To donate, see www.htwinternightshelter.org.

David said: “At this time of the year, many are homeless and in need and we want to thank the community for all the support offered to us – we couldn’t operate without you!”