The Crystal Palace Premier League club has been home to homeless people in London since Thursday, where temperatures have dropped in recent days. The initiative, aimed at homeless people in Croydon, South London, was taken in partnership with local authorities.
"The club wants to act for the good in the community". Camp beds have been installed in a hall at Selhurst Park Stadium to provide emergency shelter when temperatures drop below freezing. Up to ten people can receive a hot meal, dinner, breakfast and wash. Eight people were accommodated on Thursday night for the opening night, the club said.
"The club wants to act for the good in the community and we are happy to do our part to help the poor," said its director, Phil Alexander, quoted in a statement. Local Councilor Alison Butler said it was a "wonderful gesture" for Crystal Palace, which "sets a model for other clubs to follow."