A pastor from Gravesham who helps to feed the hungry has shared his views on homelessness, after a man's body was discovered floating in the River Darent.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pastor David Idowu from Gravesham Foodbank told News Shopper people can become homeless because of the rising cost of living, poor wage inflation and changes to the benefit system.
He said: "It’s all connected to issues with homelessness.
"We are finding our services are in a higher demand than they used to be."
Pastor David Idowu
The Trussell Trust food bank, based at the Methodist Church in Milton Road, has had 710 clients in the past three months - making up half of the 1,400 clients so far this year.
Pastor Idowu added: "That tells us there has been a sharp increase.
"Eighty per cent of people we have through the door have benefits cuts, changes or delays.
"Obviously that has a knock-on effect.
"Gravesham is one of the most deprived areas in the south east of England.
"We know nationally there is a crisis.
"A lot of people are having to live on other people’s sofas, or even on the streets.
"Crisis loans are no longer available - they do not have any short term help.
"People find themselves in a very short space of time with no support whatsoever."
TODAY'S TOP STORIES:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here