Church shelters rough sleepers

The pioneering scheme at St Martin-cum-Gregory, Micklegate, will run for a month but could continue into March if there is sufficient demand and enough volunteers to staff the centre.

The Reverend Paul Wordsworth, who is the co-ordinator of York Churches Action For Homeless People, said the new shelter was the culmination of attempts by several bodies in the city to improve conditions for the homeless.

"The idea of a winter shelter has been floating around York for some years," he said.

"The City of York Council applied for money under the previous government in the hope of setting up a scheme, but those funds were earmarked for metropolitan areas and they didn't get anywhere.

"But the council and the Salvation Army were able to jointly fund a homelessness worker, Tony Goldsboro."

The York Churches Action For Homeless People organises a nightly soup run and knowing of its work Mr Goldsboro asked if it could offer a building as a temporary shelter.

"There was quite a good response from the churches and six or seven places were offered initially," said Mr Wordsworth.

"But St Martin-cum-Gregory was the most central and is empty during the winter, so it seemed to be the best choice. The accommodation is basic but at least it is dry and there will be some heating and an evening meal and support for those who want it."

It is estimated around 60 volunteers will be needed to run the shelter and 45 people have already offered to help out.

"We need people to work on reception to book people in when we open at 9pm," said Mr Wordsworth. "And people to cook as well as overnight staff, who will sleep over to make sure the building is secure for the clients and a small team to clean up when the shelter closes at 8.30am."

If the scheme is a success it is hoped the church can be opened as a winter shelter again next November.

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