A charity which helps people with housing needs is in need of volunteers at its Kingsbridge shop, while also trying to get the word out about the services it provides.

On top of helping local people with housing needs in and around Kingsbridge, the Cornelius Fund provides support and emergency housing for the homeless around the area.

At present, the charity needs volunteers to work in the shop, but said it could also do with people who are happy to help move or coordinate moving furniture - someone with a van ideally.

As the temperatures drop, the Cornelius Fund committee wants to ensure that people who find themselves homeless know that there are resources out there to put a roof over their head.

Under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, a provision put in place to provide emergency housing, people in need of shelter during extreme weather can call two numbers that the CF has provided.

South Hams District Council will then find somewhere for the person for that night, and will even provide a taxi for them to get to their accommodation.

The person would then be contacted by a housing officer the next day to discuss their situation.

For street homeless clients, the charity only has basic church porch shelters, but can provide homelessness packs, which include a sleeping bag, carrymat, pillow, blanket, a set of warm clothes, as well as a wash and shaving kit, towel, thermos, torch and a tent if needed. Food can also be provided through the food bank.

The Cornelius Fund is also able to provide advice to a homeless person about the next step in contacting SHDC. As long as the person has a strong and relatively recent South Hams connection, SHDC Housing Advice Team should be able to help.

The CF also helps to provide a loan for the deposit or first month’s rent for people trying to get started in local private accommodation.

If you are interested in volunteering at the shop, contact Carolyn at 01548 843638.

If you find yourself in need of housing last minute in cold weather, ring 07508 988440, or 07759 683567, or pop into the charity shop on Mill Street, Kingsbridge.