Homeless find shelter on the Web

The homeless charity Centrepoint has launched its own Website with an interactive game inviting surfers to try life on the streets.

Finding shelter on the streets

The game called Virtual Homelessness asks players to make the sort of choices they would face if they were without shelter on the streets of London.

America Online (AOL) has also teamed up with Centrepoint to provide free e-mail accounts for homeless people to help them keep in touch with their families.

Sarah Brennan of Centrepoint says: "Virtual Homelessness is based on Centrepoint residents' real personal experiences. We have created it in the hope that other young people will be able to avoid the misery of homelessness."

Keep in touch through the Internet

Homeless people will be able to use Internet terminals in the foyers of several Centrepoint buildings in London to send messages to loved ones who may be worried about them.

Ms Brennan says: "The whole point of this site is to prevent homelessness. We want to provide young people with the information they need about what might happen if they leave home, so that they can make an informed decision."

The site also includes details of the charity's projects, fund-raising activities, education, policy and research work.

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The Website address is http://www.centrepoint.org.uk