When we talk of homelessness we tend to think of someone with no housing whatsoever, living on the streets with all their possessions piled into a shopping trolley.

This form of homelessness is the most acute. People in this situation are vulnerable to a host of health issues, perhaps exacerbated by poor diet and mental health issues, and are physically vulnerable.

However, there are other forms of homelessness  that are less conspicuous but persistent and also demand more resources than are currently allocated.

From living out of the back of a car, with occasional respite in a hostel or cheap hotel, to couch surfing with friends and relatives, homeless people one step removed from life on the streets are still very much at risk. 

A week on a relative or friend’s couch is not a home just as temporary accommodation in some sort of social housing or refuge is not. There remains the uncertainty about how long the bed will be available and the emptiness of not belonging.

Living with this lack of security must erode confidence and self belief and thus the ability of those in this position to advocate on their own behalf.

Voiceless and out of sight in this severe winter climate, they all too easily become invisible to governments and communities and so it is left to agencies and charities to try and improve their lot.

Early next month two organisations committed to helping the homeless in Orange will be challenging this community to experience for one night what too many people, many of them young, have to deal with every day - a cold night in a cramped car.

It will be uncomfortable but it will be a powerful reminder that something most of us take granted in this affluent community is out of reach for some.