It is a scandal staring us in the face.

Travel to almost any town or city in Britain and you will see people sleeping rough on the streets.

And the first question you ask is “why has it gotten so bad?”

The Mirror wants to know too.

We want to know why, in one of the richest countries in the world, so many people living in our streets?

The figures show the number of rough sleepers has more than doubled in the last ten years.

But the statistics do not tell the real story.

They do not tell how someone has ended up in a hostel because of a family breakdown.

Or how benefit cuts have left people without a roof over their head.

Or how the lack of mental health support has left people living rough without the support they deserve.

Nor do they tell the story of the veteran with post traumatic stress disorder, the young person forced to flee an abusive parent or the charity worker who has transformed someone’s life.

That is why the Mirror is taking to the streets.

Our journalists from across Britain are going to spend time with the homeless, charities and volunteers to tell their story.

We will visit churches and mosques which open their doors to the homeless, talk to those who are struggling and those who have turned their lives around and we will look at the causes behind this national crisis.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you see someone sleeping rough you can contact Streetlink ( www.streetlink.org.uk ) in England & Wales, or the local council in Scotland, to connect that person with the homelessness services in their area.

If you have immediate concerns about their welfare you should call 999.

There are other ways you help people depending on what you feel comfortable with.

* Ask if there is anything they need. It could be a hot drink or food, or some spare change.

* Provide blankets or warm clothing such as hats, scarfs, socks or gloves

* Stop for a chat or a kind word. Homelessness can be an incredibly lonely experience.

If you wish to donate to charity or help campaign you can visit the following websites: Crisis   Shelter   or  St Mungos

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