People 'rough sleeping in their own cold homes'
Nicky MorsonA homeless charity says it is supporting people who are "rough sleeping in their own homes" which have been left cold due to unrepaired "broken boilers" and "leaky roofs".
Nicky Morson, 41, from Cornerstone in Hartlepool and Bishop Auckland, said people in rented accommodation are reaching out for help as temperatures plummet.
A Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, where councils and other organisations find emergency accommodation if temperatures are set to fall below zero for at least three nights in a row, has been activated in parts of north-east England.
Morson said Cornerstone has been helping people whose homes need urgent repairs but are "still having to live in there".
She also warned of the dangers of people going without basic amenities if they are under threat of losing their home.
"People who are at risk of eviction prepare for homelessness by saving on heating and selling appliances, because they don't know there is support available," she said.
'It's been freezing'
The charity, whose services include providing food, accommodation and help with heating, said people are "massively struggling" in their homes.
Morson said they had also noticed an increase in homelessness in the winter months, from six people they were supporting in June to 23 in November.
"It's been freezing over the last couple of days and it's going to remain cold," she said.
"We are supporting individuals 24 hours a day, doing daily street sweeps to collect any new individuals who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness."
She said winter can be "dangerous" for those sleeping in the cold and although the self-funded charity can provide emergency accommodation and support services, it was a "stretch on resources".
But she added: "We've had some incredible donations from the general public.
"We have to thank the communities of Hartlepool and County Durham for supporting us."
