Photo: Andrew Meredith and Bob J

A leading charity is appealing to businesses in East London to help house homeless people over the Christmas period.

Crisis, the national charity for the homeless, has been searching for empty buildings in which to provide shelter this winter.

It has already secured eight premises for December 23 – 30 but is still looking for a ninth to ensure that there are enough beds for those in need.

The Tower Hamlets based charity is currently organising its ‘Crisis at Christmas’ centres in east and south-east London, which will be run by over 8,000 volunteers.

Head of the project, Mick Bateman, said: “Though we have managed to secure eight buildings for ‘Crisis at Christmas’ 2010, we are still one short. Our fear is that without this last building we will be 150 beds short of our target, and unable to accommodate many who desperately need a bed over Christmas.”

Tower Hamlets council has 20 vacant commercial premises in the borough but have not yet put forward any properties for Crisis to consider.

A council spokeswoman said: “Tower Hamlets council has not worked with

Crisis before to provide empty buildings for their worthy cause.”

“However, through its Supporting People resources, the council does fund significant hostel accommodation and, within that provision, extra cold weather beds are supplied.”

“The Council does not operate a policy of encouraging owners of empty business properties to let them out for community use but considers requests on a case by case basis.”

Lewisham council have offered two potential premises in New Cross and Catford for Crisis to use over Christmas.

A spokesperson for Lewisham said: “If we are approached by an organisation, such as with this plea from Crisis, then we will look at each case on an individual basis, taking into account such things as planning requirements, and indemnity insurance.”

In January 2010 there were 6,074 commercial properties in Lewisham borough. By October 2010, 902 of these were empty.

Crisis at Christmas has been running for almost 40 years and helps single homeless and vulnerable people by providing services such as companionship, food, shelter, medical assistance and educational opportunities.

Anyone who feels they may have a suitable premises available, please contact Mick Bateman at Crisis on 0207 426 3824 or email mick.bateman@crisis.org.uk