London's homeless offered shelter in Millennium Dome

[DemBones DemBones]

LONDON (AFP) - London's Millennium Dome, a futuristic building on the southern bank of the River Thames, has been turned into a temporary shelter for the homeless for a week starting, the charity Crisis announced.

From December 23-30, the dome will offer people an alternative to sleeping rough over the Christmas period, with a medical centre, a kennel for pets, and workshops in computing and plumbing, as well as yoga and even circus skills.

"Giving warmth and comfort is great. But it's not enough to move people out of homelessness -- they need confidence and skills," warned Shaks Gosh, the director of Crisis, which is behind the operation.

The Millennium Dome, which was built to house a giant exhibition that opened in January 2001, has since struggled to find a permanent use, and officials admit that its future is uncertain.

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Some good news for Christmas, though it's not a permanent solution for London's homeless. The Millennium Dome's management agreed to allow Crisis to have the space rent-free for this time period.

Happy Christmas to all!

[MidwestMomma]

1. Thanks for the Christmas cheer!

That's some 'goodwill towards men', women, children and pets.

Happy Christmas to you too.

[DemBones DemBones]

3. A little Christmas cheer is something we can all use.

Have a Christmas Eve doughnut and coffee! :donut:

[0007]

2. Man helping man and forms of life is always worth while.

Happy Christmas to all!

[Dover]

4. Best use for that monstrosity I've heard yet!

.

[daleo]

5. Indeed

The best symbolism for the current age as well - the symbol of the millennium becomes a homeless shelter.

[Kimber Scott]

6. Why only for Christmas? We can publicly fund stadiums, but we can't

fund homeless shelters.

Well, way to go Britain, anyway. It should help to ease the conscience, at least, for Christmas.