Letters: History has not done justice to Neville Chamberlain

Helping the homeless

Sir: The number of rough sleepers in one of the richest countries on the planet is surely a finger of accusation pointed at our generation (‘Wake-up call’, 31 August). Adam Holloway is correct when he says that giving cash directly to those living on the streets often compounds rather than alleviates the problem.

Smarter ways should be found to direct compassion effectively, and a new charity, Nextmeal, is attempting to do just this. It uses GPS mapping technology to locate the nearest centre helping the homeless. The database currently details almost 400 such centres across the country, most of which are charities that can dovetail with state services. Thousands of cards have been printed with a link to the website, www.nextmeal.co.uk. Giving the card rather than cash directs people, via the website, to the closest place of safety offering food, support and help. Cards are being distributed through businesses, faith groups, transport hubs and hospitals.