A HOMELESS man 'fortunate to be alive' fears the closure of YMCA Warrington 'will make life tougher' for vulnerable people.

Stephen Garton, 37, has been living on the streets, on and off, for the past eight years.

During that time, the charity, on Winmarleigh Street, was always somewhere to turn for him.

"It has given me a place to shower and I have been able to have hot meals there consistently thanks to volunteers," said Stephen, who was born in the town.

"I think the closure will make life tougher for us.

"I am currently homeless and stay in any doorway I can.

"On Friday and Saturday, when the town centre is busier, I don't sleep where I would normally because we get abuse from drunks.

"I am still very fortunate to be alive, some people don't appreciate things but I am fortunate just to be here and breathing.

"I appreciate every day that I live.

"Kids are suffering all over the world and starving.

"I would like housing but I just take every day as it comes.

"I am not bothered if I am on the streets and people look down on me.

"I am here and I am happy with that, I have my girlfriend and my dog – that is all I need."

YMCA Warrington has been forced to close after more than 160 years in the borough because it has no sustainable funding.

Essential services will continue from Room at the Inn, located yards from the Winmarleigh Street site.

Centre manager Susan Blyth has organised a fundraising cabaret at Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel.

It will be held on August 11 from 7.30pm to raise money to ensure key services can continue, while promoting awareness around homelessness.

Susan said: "With the closure of the YMCA we are working hard to provide daytime and evening services.

"Offering information, support and food bank vouchers, as well as continuing to provide evening emergency homeless accommodation.

"Once again, many thanks to all of the groups, churches and organisations who have supported our work.

"Room at the Inn and the 'Y' project are hopeful that we can move forward and continue to provide vital services to vulnerable and homeless people, working to make a difference."

For more information call 632771, 576678, pop into Room at the Inn, or e-mail warringtonymca@btconnect.com.