Staff at a homeless charity have said “the possibilities are endless” after being awarded new premises by the council.

Gravesham Sanctuary will use the disused hall to create a more comfortable winter shelter and, it is hoped, expand its services in the future.

Steve and Lorna Nolan, who run the centre at Gravesend Methodist Church, said they “cannot thank the council enough” for its support, alongside Gravesham MP Adam Holloway.

They were given the keys to the new building, just off Harmer Street, yesterday, and are set to welcome their first guests there this evening.

With permanent metal bed frames, and no need to pack everything away each evening, it will be far more efficient than the charity’s former church hall set-up.

Open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between December and March, the winter shelter is just one of the services run by the organisation, and the only one moving to the new building.

Its daytime drop-in centre, evening meals and washing facilities will remain at the Methodist Church in Milton Road.

Lorna said: “Anyone who needs a bed for the night will register through Sanctuary like they do now.

“The council has been very generous, and it will be down to us to make the shelter as comfortable and homely as possible.”

Since September, 183 guests have visited the charity for support, but not all of them are rough sleepers.

Some are sofa surfing, can’t afford both rent and food, or are waiting for Universal Credit, which can take a long time to process.

Since the winter shelter opened in September, 41 people have used the service and there have been two Severe Weather Emergency Protocols put in place by the council, during periods of “high risk” weather.

In future, Steve and Lorna have plans to provide beds at the winter shelter seven nights a week. However, this would be dependent on more overnight volunteers.

Councillor Harold Craske, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Gravesham Council and Gravesham Sanctuary have a long running and successful partnership, which includes working together to address the issue of rough sleeping in the borough.

“The shelter will provide much needed accommodation for people who may otherwise be left sleeping outdoors over the winter period.”