Multi-million-pound Premier League football clubs often face the accusation that they are disconnected from the communities that created them – but Crystal Palace are rewriting the script.
The South London club have joined up with Croydon Council to open the doors of their Selhurst Park stadium to rough sleepers offering protection from plummeting night time temperatures over winter.
Up to 10 rough sleepers will be able to stay at the stadium when there are sub-zero forecasts after being referred by outreach staff and will be offered a camp bed, hot evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities.
The space will then be converted back for club use in the morning where specialists from Croydon Council’s Gateway homelessness prevention service and Thames Reach support workers will work to find longer-term accommodation as well as offering financial advice and medical attention.
Crystal Palace Football Club 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.”
