Bishop hopes Ely Cathedral sleepout shines light on homelessness
The event will also aim to raise money for two homeless support charities
The acting Bishop of Ely is one of those to brave the cold weather tonight in a bid to make a difference.
Bishop Dagmar Winter alongside her dog Tilda are set to join several others at Ely Cathedral for its advent sleepout, raising money for charities Crisis and the Cambridge Churches Homelessness Project.
"It won't be a particularly comfortable night, however, I'm aware that it bears no resemblance to what living rough really means, with no home to go to the following morning," she said.
"But if it can draw attention to the issue, that's a good thing."
Those who take part in the sleepout from 10pm can sleep either outside the cathedral or within the building's Lady Chapel.
Children aged 10 or over can also join, but must be accompanied by a parent, carer or other chosen adult.
Local authorities in the East of England are due to receive £4 million as part of the Government's £84m scheme to try and tackle homelessness nationally.
Children and families in temporary accommodation will be prioritised through the funding to help families cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry.
The investment will also provide help for those rough sleeping such as mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation.
"It is a bit of a scandal when we see there are still people living rough," Bishop Winter said.
"We so often feel helpless when we see homeless people on the streets, so (it is) an opportunity to fundraise for the charities that can really make a difference.
"We know we can't offer any meaningful, longer term help that makes a difference to their situation, so if we can support those that have the professional expertise, that will make a material difference to those homeless people."