A MALVERN man who was homeless for 12 years is backing a campaign to raise funds for an under-threat shelter which helped keep him alive.

Mark Howitt, of Elmley Close, has been housed for five-and-a-half years and now wants to ensure that other homeless people receive the same help he did at Maggs Day Centre, Deansway, Worcester.

The centre has been forced to close on Saturdays after its funding was cut and needs to raise £12,000 to reopen.

The 53-year-old is now hoping to attract donations from local businesses and to hold collections so people can continue having access to help and support, especially those living rough in the Malvern area.

“I know of seven people sleeping rough in Malvern at the moment,” he said.

“There’s no economic sense in it. A lot of people have alcohol and drugs problems and if they don’t have anything to eat they will go shoplifting, which will cost everyone more if they are put in prison.”

The case of Nicholas Lewtschuk, a friend of Mr Howitt’s who was known as Jesus, shows how much the help is needed after he was found dead outside a house in Newtown Road, Malvern, in December 2005, aged 31.

Mr Howiit said: “Those people who are vulnerable don’t just need somewhere safe at night, but somewhere where they can be safe during the day too. People will sleep on the floor and think alcohol will keep them warm, but it won’t.”

Mel Kirk, acting manager at Maggs Day Centre, said: “Mark is absolutely amazing. We have supported him in the past and it is so wonderful that he is giving back so much and is enthused to do this. It’s so important over the winter that we are open as much as possible.”Mr Howitt has urged as many businesses and individuals as possible to help by putting collection tins out on their premises and donating money direct.

“Maggs helped me to stay alive,” he said. Anyone interested in helping should call Mr Howitt on 07952 039279.