David Ireland, head of the campaign group Empty Houses Agency, said the recession meant homes that became empty were staying empty.

BBC: Home building plans 'in trouble'

The Empty Homes Agency, an independent charity group that campaigns for empty homes to be used for those in need, estimates that there are currently 610, 000 empty homes in England.

CNN: Making a 'squat' a home

About 25 children left the lunchroom with empty stomachs, said Whitson's Culinary Group in a statement.

CNN: No noon meal for kids in debt at middle school

That changed in 1996 when a small group of dedicated volunteers with the Topsail Turtle Project stood on an empty lot in Topsail Beach, N.

FORBES: 12 Days of Charitable Giving 2012: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

The first night we slept in a school, the second night in an empty building and last night we made use of a Government house with enough beds for half of the group.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Darfur aid worker's diary XVII