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A shelter to help homeless people take refuge from icy cold temperatures on the streets of Gravesend will return this winter.
The refuge centre is run by the charity Gravesham Sanctuary with the help of two local churches, City Praise Centre and Gravesend Methodist Church.
New sanctuary for homeless people in Gravesham
It was established four years ago in response to the needs of homeless people living rough across the borough.
Rough sleeping more than doubled in the borough in 2018 from nine to 21 known cases, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Culture and Local Government.
Funded by the local council with a budget of £50,000 it aims to provide a night shelter seven nights a week for six months from October 21 till March next year.
It's precise location is not publicised but is revealed to those in need.
The Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Gurdip Bungar (Lab) officially opened the Gravesham Sanctuary building on Friday, which has been refurbished with the help of a number of local businesses.
Its revamp by the council includes new kitchen and bathroom facilities and a place for volunteers to sleep overnight as well.
The charity has set up the Friends of Gravesham Sanctuary programme to recruit volunteers to assist with the day-to-day running as well as encouraging regular financial contributions.
Michael Coveney, trustee of Gravesham Sanctuary said: “Our mission remains the same - to be the first point of contact for homeless people and providing for their immediate needs.
"The provision of a night shelter during the winter months; and signposting homeless people to the appropriate agencies who can help their situation.”
The situation at present is quite serious, explains project manager at the sanctuary, Stephen Nolan.
He said: "One of our homeless chaps was sleeping on the bench outside a pub down by the river and he put some paper on the back of his head to use as a pillow when somebody came past and decided to set fire to the paper."
Cllr John Burden (Lab), leader of Gravesham Council, who was also there to oversee the opening of the new facility, said: “We are only too pleased to support Gravesham Sanctuary.
“Working to tackle the issue of rough sleeping and homelessness in the borough was a key part of our manifesto at the last elections and has received cross-party support, highlighting a unity of purpose from the council to put in place practical measures of support such as Gravesham Sanctuary.”
Cllr Jenny Wallace (Lab) added: “It’s great to see how the local community has come together to help homeless people when they are at their lowest point.
“With the council having provided the venue and agreeing to pay for the utilities, it is so encouraging that so many local businesses have joined us to get Gravesham Sanctuary to a position where we can support homeless people throughout the borough this winter.”
