After a successful winter last year, Crystal Palace announce they’ll be re-opening their “extreme weather emergency shelter” for the homeless again.
Alongside Croydon Council, Crystal Palace will be turning the Glaziers lounge at Selhurst Park into an overnight shelter for when temperatures fall below freezing.
Volunteers including Club staff help to house up to 10 rough sleepers a night, offering a bed for the night as well as a hot meal, breakfast, and washing facilities before the space is then converted back for club use in the morning.
Whilst at that shelter, the sleepers will be offered advice from Croydon Council’s Gateway homelessness prevention service, helping them to find long-term solutions and alternatives to sleeping rough.
Phil Alexander, the Football Club’s chief executive said: “Following the success of the scheme last winter, we are re-opening our emergency shelter to help those most in need.
“We are working in collaboration with Croydon Council and our objective is not only to give rough sleepers a bed for the night but also to help get them off the streets. Last year, we were able to find jobs for two people referred to the shelter.
“We are very grateful to all the volunteers and club staff who give their time to make this happen and to Sainsbury’s Crystal Palace for donating food.”