A group made up of our staff and supporters slept under cardboard boxes and tarpaulin sheets in January in a bid to raise money for Porchlight.
Our Big Sleep Out took place in our car park in Chatham and has so far raised just over £10,000.
The money will be used to fund Porchlight’s homelessness street team and helpline.
Rough sleeping in Kent is at an all-time high, according to the Kent-based homeless charity.
"The Big Sleep Out was immensely challenging, both physically and mentally. But for us the challenge ended at 7am and we could return to our normalities and home comforts. The stark reality is that hundreds of homeless people across the UK sleep on the streets night after night, vulnerable and alone.
We’re proud to be supporting Porchlight and want to thank them for their tireless work to support homeless people across Kent".
Sarah Boast, PR and Communications Officer
The evening was filled with revelation of what it’s really like to be homeless and vulnerable.
And an added shock came in the form of a surprise proposal.
Keith Still, from Colney Butchers in Dartford attended the event and popped the question to his girlfriend, before spending their first night as an engaged couple sleeping under the stars, in a cardboard shelter.
"Thank you for a great evening and also thank you for letting me propose to my girlfriend. It was truly a night we will never forget".
Keith Still, participant
mhs homes hold a Big Sleep Out every other year. It always gets lots of support from local businesses, councillors and politicians.
This year they had several stakeholders take part as well as three councillors. MP and Minister for Loneliness Tracey Crouch paid a visit too.
Two other attendees were Alan and Mark.
They're both being helped by Porchlight, after becoming homeless.
“Speaking to Alan and Mark was eye-opening and incredibly inspiring. They’ve been through some very dark days but thanks to Porchlight they’re both growing in confidence and are able to look forward to the future”, Sarah added.
According to Porchlight, this winter saw homelessness in Kent rise for the seventh consecutive year to its highest level.
"We’re really grateful to mhs homes and their supporters.
Rough sleeping in Kent is incredibly high and there’s an unacceptable shortage of realistic housing options for homeless people and those at risk of becoming so. This money will help us continue to deliver vital services for those in need."
Kate Boulding, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Porchlight
You can view our photo gallery here and to see our online fundraising page or to donate click here.