Crystal Palace housing rough sleepers at Selhurst Park during cold weather

Under an arrangement with Croydon Council, the stadium’s executive lounge is turned into a temporary overnight shelter whenever night-time temparatures are expected to drop below freezing

(Getty)

Crystal Palace have opened their doors at Selhurst Park to rough sleepers during extreme weather conditions, after an agreement was reached between the club and Croydon Council.

Under the arrangement, the stadium’s executive lounge is turned into a temporary overnight shelter for up 10 rough sleepers whenever night-time temparatures are expected to drop below freezing.

Outreach staff in the local area formally identify rough sleepers, who are provided with a bed for the night, hot food and access to washing facilities at the Premier League ground.

Workers from Croydon Council’s Gateway homelessness prevention service and Thames Reach are on hand each morning - when the space is returned to the club for normal use - to help get the rough sleepers off the streets.

Whenever London temperatures are forecast to hit zero degrees or colder, which triggers the council’s severe weather emergency protocol, the arrangement with Crystal Palace will come into effect.

The scheme has already been put into practice, with eight rough sleepers accommodated at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.

Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Croydon Council and their partner agencies to ensure that rough sleepers can find an emergency shelter in the event of severe winter weather.

“The club wants to be a force for good in the community and we are happy to do our bit to help those most in need. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have given their time freely to make this happen, including club staff, as well as to Sainsbury’s Crystal Palace for donating food.”

Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services, said: “Freezing temperatures are a particular safety risk for rough sleepers and this is a wonderful gesture by Crystal Palace for helping us reduce that risk.

“I do hope that the actions and support of our local Premier League football club will encourage more businesses in Croydon to get in touch and do what they can to help us address homelessness. Crystal Palace are setting a standard for other clubs to follow.