FOR the homeless, Christmas Day is just another step in their ongoing fight for survival. Maundy Relief in Accrington provides a safe house for people. We spoke to a homeless man at the centre and heard about the tough reality of life on the streets.

“I’VE slept outside in the oval brick ovens from years ago down Church in Hyndburn.

“You can get in and get a fire going in one, and get a tent pitched in the other, so it's not too bad.

“But it’s too cold now. I wouldn’t want to be out there at Christmas.”

Steve has been homeless for nearly eight months.

The 36-year-old, from Accrington, fell out with his landlord over gas and electricity payments.

He didn’t have enough money to get another place to live, and having split from his wife and two children, had no family willing to support him in the area.

He said: “I moved out, but I had nowhere else to go.

“I’ve been dossing down on people’s settees and I’ve kept my stuff at a friend’s house, but not having anywhere to wash your clothes is a problem.

“I’ve started drinking more, just to keep warm and get to sleep faster.

"It’s left me feeling suicidal really.”

A labourer and roofer by trade, Steve went to Accrington Moorhead High School.

He had planned to go to college in October to gain more qualifications before he lost his home.

But that has been put on hold, and he now lives off takeaways and benefits claimed from his friend’s home.

He said knowing he can visit Maundy Grange for something to eat and drink and a chat with friends or counselling gives him the motivation to start his day.

He said: “I come down here for a brew and some breakfast and that starts my day.

“Before I was homeless I didn’t know about this place, I don’t think a lot of people do, but they are good here.

“There really should be more accommodation for the homeless around here.

"It’s a difficult time of year. I won’t be able to speak to my kids.

“I'll be eating Christmas dinner here and maybe having another meal at a mate’s house.

"He’s said I can bed down there on Christmas Day.

“The job centre is meant to be helping me in the New Year.

"They are trying to find me somewhere and I had an interview with them.

“I’ve got to get a job and get back on a level.”

Run by Sister Dorothy McGregor and eight volunteers, Maundy Relief: Maundy Grange at 29 to 31 Abbey Street is open from 9.30am to 8pm.