The cold has officially set in. The usually busy streets of Newtown are almost empty when the afternoon light fades. People dress in big puffy jackets and oversized dark coats with bulky knit scarves draped around their necks, holding hot drinks and warm food that i am sure keep their belly’s full and satisfied.

Fred and I perch ourselves around a dwindling bin fire while blowing warm air into our hands to try and stop our teeth from chattering off our faces. We are standing so close together we could almost be hugging. People have donated a few winter clothes to the shelter recently but with more of us on the streets there’s not enough going round. Helen’s grabbed herself a bright pink oodie after fighting Eddie off for it. Poor Eddie, hes a bit of frail one. Not so strong in his old age. He’s got some old gloves with tears and a size too small parka jacket with only a thin cotton shirt underneath. I don’t know how he’ll last this winter. He managed to get some new track pants thankfully as his old pair had certainly had it. But still no shoes. Just some raggedy socks and thongs.

We’ve been standing round the fire all afternoon waiting on the news about what’s happening to our community. A few people who used to be regulars around here have recently stopped showing for their weekly meal and things are getting a bit suspicious, especially since these people aren’t the kind to just run off without saying a word to anyone. We might be homeless but we sure know a thing about community and sticking together. It’s important someone knows of your whereabouts, all sorts of things can happen to you out on the streets. Best to stay in a group to keep yourself protected.