More emergency beds made available for rough sleepers as freezing winter weather continues

08 February 2010

More emergency beds are being made available tonight as snow returns to the south and night temperatures once again fall below zero.

St Mungo's has re-activated its severe weather emergency provision for rough sleepers in the capital - the third time severe weather provision has been needed since the start of January, and the fourth time this winter. A shelter was also set up in December in the cold snap before Christmas.

With funding from Communities and Local Government (CLG), the charity works closely with London's street outreach teams. They are regularly in touch with rough sleepers in their area and can refer these vulnerable people off the streets and into shelter as soon as possible.

Emergency beds will initially be based in a number of existing St Mungo's projects across London. During the last sustained cold spell around 100 people were referred in to an empty building in Battersea where they stayed until temperatures rose above zero again.

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."

St Mungo's has provided severe weather emergency provision 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.

Find out more about our emergency severe weather work in these news reports

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office: Judith Higgin on 020 8762 5645 or 07713 266617, email: judith.higgin@mungos.org

  • Donations can be made via the St Mungo's website or by telephone 020 8600 3000
  • 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

Back to latest press releases

Related content