A charity is urgently seeking an empty building in Reading to use as a night shelter for people sleeping rough.
The Way Ministry says the recent deaths of rough sleepers Kepha Otundo and Genevieve Curwen have underlined the need for safe overnight accommodation.
Grace Gomez, boss of the charity, said: "We are seeing firsthand the desperation people are facing."
She added: "No one should be left without a safe place to sleep in this day and age."
The charity has had multiple crisis calls in recent days and is looking for a vacant or underused property or warehouse in Reading, temporarily or long term.
It says the building would offer protection from the elements, reduce risks linked to rough sleeping and help people access further support.
The Way Ministry can offer a low or peppercorn rent to make the arrangement practical for property owners.
Mrs Gomez has campaigned for 13 years to set up a permanent night shelter in Reading. The Way Ministry ran a shelter in December 2023, and Faith Christian Group ran a 'Bed for a Night' scheme from Jan 2024 to March 2024.
Mrs Gomez had hoped to open a permanent night shelter in 2024 but was unable to due to circumstances outside her control.
The campaign gained extra urgency after the deaths of Mr Otundo on January 7 and Ms Curwen on February 26.
Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham), lead councillor for housing on Reading Borough Council, said the council was following national best practice by focusing on Housing First and other targeted accommodation for vulnerable people, rather than opening a new permanent communal night shelter.
Anyone who can help or wants more information should contact The Way Ministry via its website.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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