Camp beds are set up in a lounge in Crystal Palace's ground when temperatures drop below freezing. Credit: CRYSTAL PALACE F.C. :
London: Crystal Palace have opened up their Selhurst Park stadium to rough sleepers seeking shelter from the winter weather, the English Premier League side said.
A lounge at the south London ground can be turned into a temporary overnight shelter for up 10 rough sleepers whenever temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing.
Under a deal with the Croydon Council local authority, people formally identified as sleeping rough are referred to Selhurst Park, where they can access a camp bed for the night, a hot evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities.
Eight people used the shelter on Thursday night, the first time it was opened, the club said in a statement.
The lounge was then converted back again on Friday morning.
"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," said chief executive Phil Alexander.
