Greenwich's Millennium Dome

Scene of pomp, ceremony and great controversy in 2000, Greenwich's Millennium Dome is back in use - as Crisis' main Christmas shelter for the homeless.

"I name this the Dome Hotel," says John Cohen, 72, as he makes his way through the vast Millennium Dome in Greenwich.

"It beats the Ritz, Claridges or the Dorchester. It's absolutely marvellous."

This is John's 20th year at the homeless charity's London Christmas project.

He no longer sleeps rough, having found a flat 10 years ago, but still comes along "to show my respect for those who looked after me.

"And," he says, "because otherwise I'd be sat at home looking at four walls. I love to come here because of the wonderful warm welcome."

Of six homeless shelters open across London from 23-30 December, the Dome is the main one.

Under greying roof fabric the charity has set up a place to sleep for about 1,200 people.

And along one side of the huge structure, volunteers staff a comprehensive health centre - with dentists, opticians, podiatrists and dependency counsellors.

There are also housing advisers, TV rooms, a hairdresser and a clothing pick-up stall.

Crisis found out the Dome was available to use less than a month ago and the set up took just five days. It replaces a more-compact warehouse used in previous years.

The charity's boss, Shaks Ghosh, breaks off from pointing one homeless lady in the direction of where she can get shoes, and says the place looks "stunning".

"I hope for a lot of people it will be that moment when they think 'I am on my upward spiral'," she says.

"If you take people to a grungy warehouse, it doesn't give them the confidence or enthusiasm to start the rest of their life.

"This is inspirational."


(Agencies)