St Mungo’s emergency provision kicks in for the second time this winter as freezing conditions return to the capital

05 January 2010

St Mungo's, London's largest homeless charity, has re-activated its severe weather emergency provision for rough sleepers as the capital faces another freezing cold snap. With heavy snowfall predicted tonight, around 25 new beds have been set up at the charity's accommodation in Islington.

With funding from Communities and Local Government (CLG), the charity is providing emergency provision for those who could die if left on the streets. Homeless men and women can get a hot shower, clean clothes, and hot food whilst St Mungo's works to find them more permanent accommodation.

This is the second time that the charity has had to provide more warm beds this winter following one of the coldest Decembers in 30 years.

St Mungo's operated an emergency shelter from 17 - 23 December 2009, helping hundreds of homeless men and women who otherwise would have been left out in the cold.

Charles Fraser, Chief Executive of St Mungo's, said: "These extra beds offer a vital life line for the extremely vulnerable living on London's streets during these freezing days and nights. As temperatures drop again across London there is a real danger that people will lose their lives if they sleep in the open.

"Our workers will be out on the street, making contact with rough sleepers who really need a roof over their head. We are committed with our partners in the voluntary sector, central and local government to making sure that no-one is out in such cold weather and that before too long no-one is sleeping on London's streets whatever the temperature."

St Mungo's has provided Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) for the past four winters. When the weather is predicted to drop below zero degrees centigrade for three consecutive nights the service opens as quickly as possible.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office: Gemma Hollingshead on 07979018734 or 020 8762 5570 gemma.hollingshead@mungos.org

  • Donations can be made on http://www.mungos.org/ or by telephone 020 8600 3000
  • Donations of warm coats and good shoes are also welcomed
  • St Mungo's opens doors for homeless people. Every year we help more than 10,000 homeless and vulnerable people find responsive and integrated solutions for problems with housing, employment, training and health.
  • St Mungo's offer pioneering services to men and women who have complex and overlapping needs that often exclude them from mainstream services. Our work is essential for preparing people with mental health, substance use, alcohol and housing problems to move on.
  • St Mungo's emergency shelter is funded by CLG http://www.communities.gov.uk/

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