A HUSBAND and wife who both work for a Bradford housing provider are preparing to sleep rough to raise money for a local homelessness charity.

Jason and Jenny Baines, who both work for social housing provider Incommunities will be swapping the comfort of their home on Saturday for the chilly streets of Shipley.

Mrs Baines, who works as an income officer at Incommunities, said she was inspired to organise the fundraising event following a presentation buy homelessness charity Simon on the Streets given to housing professionals as part of the group’s Graduate Employment Mentoring (GEM) programme.

On Saturday, Mr and Mrs Baines will be joined by Philippa Darbandi, from Bradford Academy in Bowling, as they swap their comfy beds at home for sleeping bags on the sleep-out.

Mrs Baines, who is a member of one of the GEM programme’s cohorts, said: “I was determined to do something positive for the charity after hearing about their fantastic work at a recent GEM event looking at the problem of homelessness.

“There are so many people who face night after night on our streets. Sleeping out – even for just one night – gives us the chance to support the great work Simon on the Street do to help those struggling in their lives.

“Some of my friends think I’m crazy but they also want to support me.”

Simon on the Streets is a West Yorkshire-based charity which provides support for rough sleepers and the homeless in Bradford and the rest of the county.

It offers an outreach service providing emotional support and provide opportunities to help entrenched rough sleepers get off the streets and back into society.

Fahad Khan, business development manager for Simon on the Streets, said: “Simon on the Streets is a charity that relies solely on the support of the public.

“We are incredibly thankful to Jenny for her effort and support for the work that we do to support rough sleepers across West Yorkshire.”

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group chief executive, added: “Jenny has shown great initiative in organising this fundraising activity and it’s wonderful to see colleagues showing their support for this fantastic charity.

“Jenny has taken inspiration from Simon on the Streets’ work with our GEM recruits to raise awareness into the causes and personal impact of homelessness.

“Hopefully, the sleep-out can raise lots more funding for the charity.”

To sponsor Jenny and Jason Baines and support Simon on the Streets, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jenny-baines1