In May 2008, Shelter began a new two-year charity partnership with commercial law firm Shoosmiths.

Cash donated from Shoosmiths’ various fundraising activities will form the majority of Shelter’s long running ‘Hardship Fund’, which grants over £60,000 of emergency money to homeless people with no other means of getting essential items.

Hardship funds are a vital tool of Shelter’s advice centres and are allocated to those in desperate need. They cover costs incurred by homeless people, from helping someone who may be fleeing domestic violence to simply paying a child’s school bus fare.

Adam Sampson, Shelter’s Chief Executive, said: 'We are thrilled that Shoosmiths has pledged such enormous assistance to homeless people across the country. Shoosmiths and Shelter share the belief that everyone should be able to afford a safe, decent home.

'Shoosmiths employees will be rewarded in the knowledge that their fundraising has provided thousands of people with a last chance before slipping through gaps in the welfare system.'