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New base for rough sleepers in sub-zero weather

Shrewsbury Ark Four people are standing inside the Shrewsbury Ark. Two women and two men have their arms around each other. On the left, the woman has blonde hair and a brown jumper. Next to her, the woman has short brown hair and glasses. One man has short grey hair and glasses, while the other has brown hair and is wearing a cream hoodie.Shrewsbury Ark
Severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) is declared when temperatures drop below freezing - and a charity's base may then be used as overnight accommodation

A Shropshire homelessness charity has been welcoming rough sleepers into its building during sub-zero conditions.

The Shrewsbury Ark is working in collaboration with Shropshire Council's rough sleeper team to offer people emergency accommodation when the authority declares severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) amid plummeting temperatures.

"[Our building] has a large downstairs space, the council will declare SWEP in discussion with us, and they will set up camp beds and a little bit of dinner and hot drinks," said the Ark's Kim Tunbridge.

The collaboration, which began on 1 January, was a "really effective system", she added.

"The problem there's been in the past is there is no accommodation, and so hotels have been used, and obviously that's great expense for the taxpayer," she explained.

"[But] we've got space for about 15 people, we've been averaging 12, but frankly we'd find space for people because being outside... it's not something you can even risk at the moment."

Shrewsbury Ark The front of the Shrewsbury Ark building. It is red brick with blue wooden doors and signs . There is a silver car parked outside. Shrewsbury Ark
The Shrewsbury Ark normally functions as a day centre

In less extreme weather conditions, the Shrewsbury Ark functions as a day centre, providing support and advice as well as hot meals and a safe daytime space.

But when temperatures drop, staff from the rough sleepers team now stay in the building until about 23:00 GMT, and a security guard is there all night.

The team returns in the morning to check in with service users, before the Ark closes from 07:00 to 09:00 to be cleaned before it opens again as a day centre.

Shropshire Council said it was the third period this winter that SWEP had been declared, after temperatures dropped to -6C in some parts of the county.

It added that working with the Ark ensured that rough sleepers were staying close to local services, instead of in an unfamiliar hotel away from support.

"Taxis have been made available for those who may be unable to travel easily to a facility," said councillor Dean Carroll, cabinet member for housing and assets.

"Those who are rough sleeping will have access to hot food, support, and a warm place to stay both day and night during cold winter temperatures.

"Our officers will also work closely with individuals who are rough sleeping or lack other accommodation options to find them more permanent housing solutions."

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