Updated
A pilot program allowing homeless men to sleep in empty church halls will start in Canberra during May.
Church groups have been trying to get the Safe Shelter project operating for two years but have been stymied by government and building regulations.
Briony Griffiths from UnitingCare says a church hall in Braddon is being upgraded to meet legal requirements.
Ms Griffiths says the project is starting small and the hall will only be open on Wednesday nights.
"We're able to take up to 8 to 10 guests at the one hall on the one night of the week," Ms Griffiths said.
"Ideally we'll be opening up with other churches this winter and if not, then for next year.
"So certainly this is a pilot project in the sense that we're looking to get lessons, learn from the experience, improve things as we go along, to better meet the client's needs."
Organisers hope to get government approval before the freezing overnight temperatures start.
"So it's not a solution to homelessness, as such, but we do want to provide a shelter out of the weather, essentially the heater will be running."
"Swags will be available to sleep, for people to sleep, and to take away with them and there'll be a cuppa or maybe some supper available for people."
Topics: homelessness, charities-and-community-organisations, religion-and-beliefs, braddon-2612, act
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