Winter night shelter given one-month extension

A winter shelter for homeless people set up in an office will stay open for the rest of this month, the charity that runs it said.

Northampton Hope Centre adapted the area next to its hub in Campbell Street to make room for 35 beds for rough sleepers in January.

It was due to close at the end of February, but funding from West Northamptonshire Council has kept it open.

A spokeswoman for the Hope Centre said: "With current temperatures still posing a serious health risk, it became increasingly clear that an extension was necessary."

The charity provides food and clothes to homeless people and helps them access support, but it does not usually provide accommodation.

The shelter, which opened on 6 January, offers separate rooms for men and women and has been supported by the council.

A team of volunteers helps steward the operation during the night to keep people and their belongings safe, and breakfast is served in the morning.

Although temperatures have become milder during the day, night lows were below freezing at the beginning of March and could return close to those minimums later in the month.

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