David Belton

David Belton, a man for whom 'housing for the homeless' was never a glib phrase, but represented a personal commitment for more than 30 years, was remembered fondly by his family, friends and former colleagues at his funeral.

Mr Belton, who was the co-ordinator and manager of the Oxford Sleep-Out campaign, died suddenly at his home in Kirtlington on February 5, aged 68.

He leaves a widow, Valerie, son Gavin, and daughter Helen.

A packed St Thomas More RC Church in Kidlington heard how his housing career began in London in the mid-60s with the Catholic Housing Aid Society, with whom he helped house thousands of people of all nationalities and creeds.

In 1974 he moved to Oxfordshire to join the fledgling Cherwell Housing Trust, eventually becoming general manager of what was soon to be a dynamic and highly effective local housing group.

Retiring through ill health in 1990, he soon became an active supporter of the newly-formed Churches' National Housing Coalition. As a national board member and local representative, he lobbied politicians and churchmen, devised and circulated literature, and raised money to keep housing on the agenda of churches and political parties.

His concern for the poor and homeless led him to become involved with Church Action on Poverty. Mr Belton was also invited to join the Church of England's Oxford Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility. During his retirement, he also became closely involved with Justice and Peace Action, a coalition of Catholic groups in Oxfordshire set up to help the poor and house the homeless.

His ability to get things done, and his concern for local housing need, found expression in the Oxford Sleep-Out, which over the six years since it was launched, has raised some £125,000.