A homeless man has suffered burns and lost all of his belongings after his tent was reportedly deliberately set on fire while he was sleeping inside.
MK Homeless Support CIC says the incident happened on Friday and has now launched an appeal to help the man replace the possessions destroyed in the fire.
According to the local organisation, the man was asleep inside his tent when the fire was started.
He was fortunately able to escape, but MK Homeless Support says he suffered burns to his feet and everything he had inside the tent was destroyed.
The organisation is now supporting him following the incident and is appealing to the Milton Keynes community for help with replacing essential items, including clothing, bedding and sleeping equipment.
The incident once again highlights the vulnerability faced by people sleeping rough, who can be exposed to violence, abuse and other dangers while living without secure accommodation.
Milton Keynes City Council describes rough sleeping as the most visible and extreme form of homelessness, with people potentially exposed to harm while sleeping outside or in places not designed to be lived in. The council operates a Rough Sleeper Team which works with people on the streets to connect them with accommodation, benefits, healthcare and other support services.
About MK Homeless Support CIC
MK Homeless Support CIC is a local community organisation working to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Milton Keynes.
The organisation provides direct support to some of the city's most vulnerable residents, helping people with essential items and practical assistance while also raising awareness of the realities faced by those living on the streets.
Its work regularly involves responding directly to people in need and appealing to the wider Milton Keynes community for donations and practical support.
The latest incident comes just days after MK Homeless Support spoke publicly about the vulnerability of people experiencing homelessness following a separate serious incident in Central Milton Keynes.
Other established services are also available locally. Milton Keynes City Council's Rough Sleeper Team provides outreach support seven days a week, while organisations including UnityMK provide food, clothing, toiletries, showers, laundry facilities and welfare support to people experiencing homelessness.
Community Asked to Help
MK Homeless Support is asking anyone who may be able to help the man following Friday's fire to contact the organisation directly.
Donations of clothing, bedding, sleeping equipment and other essential items could help replace some of what he has lost.
Anyone concerned about somebody sleeping rough in Milton Keynes can also contact the council's Rough Sleeper Team or make a referral through StreetLink.
For this man, the immediate priority is now recovering from his injuries and rebuilding after losing the possessions and shelter he had.
Anyone able to provide support is encouraged to contact MK Homeless Support CIC directly.
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