English Premier League side Crystal Palace has announced that it will offer emergency shelter to some of London's rough sleepers at its Selhurst Park Stadium.
The club said individuals formally identified by authorities as rough sleepers can be referred to the club for emergency shelter when the temperature reaches, or drops below zero degrees.
Up to ten individuals can accommodated in one of the lounges at the stadium, where they will be offered a camp bed, a hot evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities.
Eight people used the temporary shelter on its first night of operation on January 17, the club said.
Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander said the club hopes to "be a force for good" in the local community.
"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."
When Selhurst Park is unavailable due to matchday commitments, Croydon Council will refer rough sleepers to other emergency shelters in the area.
Croydon councillor Alison Butler said Crystal Palace was setting a positive example for other businesses in the area.
"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," Ms Butler said.
"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."
Last year, the Combined Homelessness and Information Network charity identified a 20 per cent spike in the number of homeless people sleeping rough in London over a three month period, saying 3,103 people were sleeping on the streets between July and September.
