Homelessness is caused by different factors – some self imposed such as drug or alcohol addiction – some through circumstance beyond a person's control. Whatever the cause, these are people in dire need and deserving of help and compassion.

The criteria for getting shelter is three consecutive nights of below zero temperatures. How many of us could survive one night?

What really moved me to tears in an article I read recently was the description of a frightened young man in his early 20s, thrown out of his home because his girlfriend had found someone else. This young man was not begging, he just wanted someone to listen to his story.

His story is not unusual. Yes there may be other reasons for homelessness, but in every case where it is a young person – or even one that is not so young – I ask myself where are the parents, or the grandparents?

We know family situations can be difficult, but what parent worthy of the name would stand by while their child is in such a desperate situation?

Leila Threadkell, Valentine Street, Norwich.