WHEN a young homeless man who called himself Jesus is found frozen to death on the streets of Worcestershire, it becomes apparent that some people will have precious little to celebrate this Christmas.

Nicholas Lewtschuk, aged 31, died two weeks ago following one of the coldest nights of the year so far.

He was found dead in the morning outside a house in Newtown Road, Malvern, after a night in which temperatures plummeted to minus five.

Now a Worcester charity, which was set up 21 years ago after another man was found dead in similar circumstances, is worried for the safety of other rough sleepers.

Maggs Day Centre operates a night shelter from January to March but is struggling to come up with the money this year.

That is where you come in.

Today, the Worcester News is launching our Give Them Shelter Appeal, asking for donations to support the centre.

The plight of rough sleepers in Worcestershire has already touched the hearts of hundreds of readers who have donated £2,000 to the cause as a result of our article on Jesus, but more

continued on page four desperately has to be done.

Your money will have a profound effect on the care and treatment people on the street receive.

Not only does the night centre provide a hot meal, somewhere to shower and sleep, and a change of clothes, it is also the first step to finding permanent accommodation.

Earlier this year it opened for 10 weeks and in that time welcomed 103 people through its doors.

Next year, however, Maggs only has enough funding for just over half this - it costs £3,000 to run the scheme for seven days.

Sue Leach, acting manager at Maggs, said: "Nick's death was a tragic event and one that could easily happen again.

"People think that in 2005 no one should be sleeping rough, and I agree, but the sad fact is that many are.

"People also have an image of a tramp-style character on the streets, an old man dependent on drink or drugs, who is there through choice.

"But the reality is that people of all ages and sexes are on the streets who were let down by processes early on in life and who are willing to be helped.

"That is why we are appealing to Worcester News readers to do their bit. Society as a whole has a responsibility to make sure that what happened to Nick should not happen again.

"People cannot imagine what it is like to be homeless, but they do know what is like to be warm and safe."

Your donations will help ensure others can know that feeling. Please dig deep.

To make a donation, send it with the coupon above to Maggs Day Centre at the address shown.

The Worcester News is also gathering information for a forthcoming article about the county's homeless.

If you've ever been homeless or have a particular reason for making a donation, and you don't mind a Worcester News reporter getting in touch, please use the space on the coupon to tell us a bit about your story.