VOLUNTEERS will once again help to keep Rugby’s rough sleepers safe and warm this winter.
Homelessness charity Hope4 has opened its Winter Shelters for the ninth year.
A shelter will be available at one of seven Rugby churches every night until the end of March.
Last year, over 300 volunteers provided more than 1,083 bed-nights for 43 different clients – the youngest of whom was 20 and the oldest over 65.
Hope4 Winter Shelter coordinator Phil Clucas said: “There can be many reasons why people are homeless, and many reasons why we should help. Most homeless people just want to be a part of society, but they need a helping hand.
“Most homeless people are not lazy, idle or feckless – they could be you or me if circumstances had been different. They just need help.”
Participating churches are Rugby Methodist Centre, St Johns Hillmorton, St Maries, St Georges Hillmorton, Rugby Baptist Church, M2O and Salvation Army. Beds must be booked in advance at the Hope Centre in Newbold Road before 2pm on the day.
Volunteers are needed to help run the shelters. Visit www.hope4.org.uk/index.php/winter-shelter for more information or to volunteer.
Hope4 will host its annual fundraising sleep-out on the night of January 31 in the car park outside the Hope Centre. Visit www.hope4.org.uk for more information.
