Volunteers are being sought to help support Exeter's homeless this winter.
More people are needed to join the Street Homeless Outreach Team this winter.
And a volunteer is being sought to host a night shelter, such as one run from church buildings.
In addition, sleeping bags, blankets and donations to help cover the costs of extra provision during times of severe weather, are also desperately needed. Only £500 is needed to cover additional costs.
Every winter, city homelessness charity, St Petrocks and Gabriel House extend their support for the most vulnerable by accommodating people when the weather gets very severe – this is defined as zero degrees Celsius or below, or when the Met Office has issued a red warning.
The call for help has been made by city charity the Exeter Community Initiatives, which is part of the Homelessness Collaboration, a consortium of organisations who work together to tackle homelessness.
Matt Bell, chief executive of Exeter Community Initiatives, said: "Exeter would benefit greatly from a night shelter run from church buildings for the coldest months of the year.
"There is some very positive work in London that shows that it can be achieved.
"Night Shelters offer basic shelter for anyone finding themselves out on the street.
"Each night may have a bed for about 10 people – 10 people who would otherwise be alone and out in the cold.
"The key to making it work is having someone able to give a substantial amount of time to coordinate between churches, recruit other volunteers and organise rotas.
"If you are out there, please get in touch with us and we will put you in touch with everyone you need to know to make this a possibility for Exeter."
The Street Homeless Outreach Team is run by specialist housing and social care support provider, Bournemouth Church Housing Association.
Matt added: "This team does some amazing work in our city, but are continually stretched both by funding cuts and the growing numbers of people on the streets.
"They are in need of some very dedicated volunteers to get up early in the morning to help them carry out their work.
"By doing this, it means they can extend their capacity to meet this growing need.
"Volunteers will receive full training and we hear that the Exeter looks lovely before 7am in the morning!"
Anyone interested in finding out more should email Matt on matt@eci.org.uk or phone, 01392 205800.
To donate to the cause visit www.homelessnesscollaboration.eci.org.uk/donations-needed
