A homeless shelter is struggling to provide overnight accommodation for those in need due to a lack of funding.

The Streets2Homes Charity, which opened in August 2005, aims to meet the basic needs of the homeless.

However, it is unable to offer accommodation unless the temperature drops to below freezing for three consecutive days.

The centre also has to close over the Christmas period to replenish stock and make much needed repairs.

Kerrie Eastman, who runs Streets2Homes said: “If we had the funding I would like to keep it open all the time and offer accommodation to those in need.

She added: “We will never ever shut the door on anyone that requires our services.”

Streets2Homes receives funding from the national lottery and local trusts but relies on donations from the local community, including food, clothing and bedding.

Fundraising events are held throughout the year to try and raise money for the centre, including the annual Sleep Out event, in which members of the community sleep outside for one night to raise awareness

The charity has showering facilities, an entertainment room and offers hot meals, as well as providing the homeless with a place to go for support and help finding work.

Mrs Eastman said: “We are looking to make lifelong changes, we are not a sticking plaster. We deal with problems first before encouraging them into further education and employment.”

Streets2Homes recently celebrated two of its former users getting back on their feet, one writing a heartfelt card from Germany.

Mrs Eastman said: “It’s like a family, I feel like their mum.”

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm and is available to use for anyone over the age of 18 who is homeless or vulnerably housed.

If you would like to donate, visit the website at www.streets2homes.org.