After a week of torrential rain, bitingly cold temperatures and gale-force winds it is more apparent than ever just how vital homeless shelters are.

Thankfully, a dozen rough sleepers in Dartford spent Tuesday night in the sanctuary of Cross Road’s Christ Church as this year’s winter shelter opened its doors for the first time.

The three-month scheme – which is open all week and moves between seven churches – is in its fifth year but for the first time is benefitting from council funding to the tune of £10,000.

The cash injection has allowed organisers to hire two full-time members of staff who will assist attendees with securing permanent accommodation and, where necessary, help them overcome issues such as addiction.

Last year they had to rely on more than 200 volunteers and almost £9,000 of donations to deliver the shelter.

Chairman of Dartford Churches Winter Shelter John Atkins said they are already fully booked and are having to put people on a waiting list.

He added: “We’re up to capacity already so it’s obviously needed. It’s great all agencies are working together to deliver this service. Obviously our aim is to eliminate homelessness here. I’m not sure we can achieve that but we’ll give it a very good shot.

“We’ve also been inundated with donations this year. It’s a massive increase from last year. I think it shows just how caring the community here in Dartford is.”

Mr Atkins added that the trend of London boroughs renting properties in Dartford was contributing to the problem, echoing the concerns Dartford council has previously voiced, but said it was too early to tell whether the situation is worse than it was last year.

The borough has the highest rate of rough sleepers in the county.

On Mondays food is served at The Salvation Army, in Hythe Street, while accommodation is available at City of David RCCG, Lowfield Street. The shelter then moves each night to Christ Church, Spital Street Methodist Church, St Edmund’s Church in St Edmund’s Road, Watling Street’s St Andrew’s United Reform Church, Brent Methodist Church in St Vincent’s Road and Net Church, Spital Street.

The shelter offers accommodation for men and women aged over 18 and runs until Saturday, March 31. It has a central referral and registration point in the Meeting Place at the Orchards Shopping Centre, in High Street, every Tuesday – except the first of the month – and Thursday from 10am until 12.30pm. Appointments will also be available by prior booking by calling 07340982925.