A homeless charity is working to launch a pilot programme to help get people off the streets.

The Maidstone Day Centre hopes to bring a scheme, named Housing First, to the county town for the first time in partnership with The Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter with the support of MP for Maidstone and the Weald, Helen Grant.

The announcement comes just two weeks after Neil Martin, a 49-year-old homeless man, died of pneumonia.

He was found in the tent he had been living in, in Wickes car park in St Peter’s Street.

Although the scheme is currently just a concept, project manager at the winter shelter, Andy James, now wants to set up a one-stop shop offering a wide range of services, from bereavement counselling to substance abuse support, as well as help securing an income and, most importantly, a home.

He also wants to involve local businesses to provide employment opportunities for those living on the street.

Mr James said: “The winter shelter in itself just scratches the surface – we have a positive impact on these guys’ lives to a very small extent.

“The idea is that if you get the housing right the rest of it comes in place.

“Homeless people need somewhere to live, but they can’t unless you’ve dealt with their individual problems.”

If successful, the charity wants to see the model rolled out elsewhere.

Mrs Grant, who is backing the scheme, visited the day centre in Knightrider Street, Friday, January 12.

There she paid tribute to Mr Martin, saying: “I hope that in his memory we can renew our commitment to stamping out rough sleeping here in Maidstone and the Weald and across the country.

“I am in the process of working with the team at the winter shelter project to develop a funding proposal.”

Mr James added: “Deaths on the streets are an increasing problem, unfortunately. You’re going to see more of it.”

Mr Martin’s funeral is due to take place at Vinters Park, either later this month or in early February. His family are organising transport to the service, so that his homeless friends are able to attend.