Charity turns office into shelter during cold snap

A charity has been praised by its service users for providing shelter to rough sleepers during some of the coldest conditions of the year.

Northampton Hope Centre has repurposed its office area, which is next to its hub in Campbell Street, to make room for 35 beds for rough sleepers in January.

The charity provides food and clothing to people experiencing homelessness and helps them access support, but it does not usually provide accommodation.

Cherie, who has been living on the streets for 14 months, said: "I'm loving it. It's nice because my tent is full of ice, so it's nice to be in the warm. It's made a big difference."

The shelter, which opened on 6 January, offers separate rooms for men and women and has been supported by West Northamptonshire Council.

A team of volunteers help steward the operation during the night to keep people and belongings safe, and breakfast is served to the guests in the morning.

Lee, who has spent seven years living on Northampton's streets, said: "It's nice and warm, it's somewhere better [than the streets,] there's good people here, good food here, and they do help you out.

"Without a doubt it's made a difference not just for me, but to a lot of people.

"We normally sleep out on the streets, we're all here and everyone knows each other now. It's a good community really," he continued.

Kyra Williams, who works at the centre, added: "The thought of these people sleeping out on the street [in freezing temperatures] is unbearable and so we're thrilled we were able to do this."

Northampton Hope Centre's night shelter will be open for at least seven weeks.

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