A NIGHT shelter for rough sleepers could be forced to open early this year, with temperatures expected to drop below zero this weekend.

Having reached capacity numerous times last winter, the shelter has now moved from Maggs Day Centre to Worcester Salvation Army Church and Community Hub (SAC), in The Trinity building.

The charity Caring for Communities and People (CCP) runs the facility as part of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) scheme – officially from November 1 to March 31.

The government initiative ensures that when the temperature drops to zero, rough sleepers are offered overnight shelter and food – with SAC offering space for a few more than Maggs’ 18 capacity.

“With the temperatures set to drop this weekend, we are thinking we might have to open,” said Major Diane Henderson, leader of Worcester SAC.

“The doors open at 9pm, they come in for supper and they bed down for the night,” she continued.

Towards the end of the last winter season, CCP approached the church about the possibility of moving the shelter there – with the scheme extended another month due to the snow in April.

Ms Henderson said that worked as a trial period, but this season “we are starting from the get go”.

A more “robust” breakfast will also be offered for up to 50 people – compared to the usual toast and tea – to help encourage rough sleepers to return, added Ms Henderson.

Funds are also being raised for a shower unit and wet room and driers, so that wet clothes can be dried through the night.

Shelter staff will be provided by CCP, while any overspill of rough sleepers will be accommodated by an out of hours homeless emergency service.

Kerry Rastall, of CCP, said: “If someone is presented here they won’t be turned away if we’re at full capacity.

“The staff will make phone calls to the emergency service and they can be placed elsewhere. Nobody should be out on the streets.”

She said bedding and sleeping bags are provided, as will a running support session – new this year, thanks to £50,000 raised through CEO Sleepout UK.

“We’ve decided to use that funding to provide staffing to give housing support and advice first thing in the morning,” explained Ms Rastall.

“People don’t want to do that when they come in on a night, they are tired, wet and just want to go to get down, get warm and get some food in their bellies.”

Community champions for Tesco Warndon and St Peters, Susy Roberts and Joanne Jenkins dropped off a box of toiletries yesterday in preparation for the new shower room.

Tesco is also partnered with the FareShare charity, which sees all out-of-date food donated to local groups, such as the homeless shelter.