BBC highlights St Mungo's emergency help for rough sleepers coming in from the cold

13 January 2010

BBC News and other media have highlighted the potentially life-threatening danger which the snow and cold weather mean for those rough sleeping on the streets.

St Mungo's has re-activated its severe weather emergency provision for rough sleepers. With funding from Communities and Local Government (CLG), the charity is providing emergency provision in London 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. A first emergency shelter opened before Christmas in Islington. People are now being looked after in a empty office building in Vauxhall, with more than 90 people using the service at present.

St Mungo's also has outreach teams working in Reading and Bristol, in partnership with local councils and other homeless organisations. They too are linking in rough sleepers with emergency shelter accommodation.

Charles Fraser, Chief Executive of St Mungo's, said: "These extra beds offer a vital life line for the extremely vulnerable living on the streets during these freezing days and nights. As temperatures drop again, 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, whatever the temperature."

Watch, listen and read some interviews with those in the shelters and St Mungo's staff helping them:

BBC TV News and Online - 13 January - How are homeless people coping in frozen Britain?

The Guardian - 8 January - Homeless in the snow

BBC Berkshire Online - 29 December - Snow sweeps in on the homeless

Community Care magazine - 5 January - St Mungo's opens emergency shelter to cope with cold snap

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