THE letter from your anonymous correspondent (Wednesday, December 3) suggests that homeless people should 'get their act together.'

In fact, most people become homeless through no fault of their own. The most common causes of homelessness in Blackburn with Darwen are domestic violence and the ending of private tenancies.

It is not always easy to find housing. Blackburn with Darwen Council accepts responsibility for re-housing less than half of the homeless people it sees.

Housing associations can exclude applications for a number of reasons, sometimes relatively trivial ones -- one of Shelter's client's was refused because she had rent arrears 10 years ago.

Private landlords usually require a deposit and rent up front, which few homeless people can afford.

Many homeless people are vulnerable and find it difficult to cope, especially if they are very young, or suffer from mental health problems.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's own research shows that there is not enough support available to help the most vulnerable homeless people.

Homelessness is a miserable, debilitating and humiliating experience. It can be tackled, but this requires some compassion and understanding -- rather than condemnation.

JIM DEVEREUX, Manager, Shelter Lancashire, Philips Road, Blackburn.