Thousands of UK Churches Pray on Homelessness Sunday

The plight of homeless people and families forced to live in temporary accommodation and overcrowded conditions were reflected by more than 2,000 churches across the UK on Sunday.

Homelessness Sunday is an annual day of prayer and action intended to draw attention to the devastating effects of homelessness in all its forms.

Alison Gelder, chief executive of Housing Justice, a Christian charity campaigning to improve housing policy, said: "Our homes are fundamental to our identity as human beings. Without a safe and adequate home it is impossible to live and develop as a person - it's the ultimate social exclusion.

"On Homelessness Sunday we will be asking church members to pause and consider the plight of people who do not have a home and so are unable to participate fully in society."

There are around 100,000 households in temporary accommodation in the UK, and a further 500,000 families living in overcrowded conditions, according to Government figures.

Housing Justice aims to highlight the growing problem of homelessness among people from Eastern European countries who have come to the UK to work, but are not entitled to benefits and face destitution if they lose their jobs.