THE first homeless shelter on Canvey could open this September after three possible venues have been found.

The charity Hope 4 Canvey wants to open a shelter to look after about 30 people thought to be homeless on the island.

Emma Simmonds is leading the project and says she will offer a mobile service for the island’s vulnerable residents until the venue is confirmed.

Members of the public have inundated Mrs Simmonds with donations and offers of help and the Echo believes a church building may become available for the shelter.

Mrs Simmonds said: “We have three venues in mind and we are just waiting for them to be rubberstamped.

“We are hoping to have a drop-in centre up and running by early September and to have the shelter running by mid- September.”

Help 4 Canvey is also working closely with Canvey Youth Project to help young individuals in need.

Mrs Simmonds is preparing for a summer of working with the homeless all over the island, offering support, advice and donations.

She said: “We’ve had so many donations and I will work remotely until the site is confirmed.

People can call me or contact me through the Facebook group and we can arrange a place to meet up and go through their situation and give them what they need to get up and running.”

She added: “We’ve been overwhelmed with donations and support, but what is important now is getting our venues rubberstamped and up and running.”

If you or somebody you know needs help call Mrs Simmonds on 07527 192 161 or search Hope 4 Canvey on Facebook.