Shelter is urging anyone facing a housing emergency - from missed mortgage or rent payments to problems with housing benefit or their landlord - to make the most of its 24-hour help line.

With the possibility of a recession in the near future, many people could find themselves failing to meet mortgage or rent payments

Shelter Director, Chris Holmes

The charity's director, Chris Holmes, stressed that the phone line could advise "on any kind of housing problem, not just street homelessness" and urged people to call as soon as they had a problem.

Since its launch three years ago, Shelterline has received 200,000 calls - nearly 118,000 from people facing homelessness.

And last year the charity helped more than 100,000 homeless or poorly housed people.

Threat of recession

Mr Holmes continued: "With the possibility of a recession in the near future, many people could find themselves failing to meet mortgage or rent payments.

"It is important that we encourage people to call, no matter how minor their problem may seem, so we can prevent them from becoming homeless in the future."

It may help them prevent their problem becoming a crisis

BT Programme Manager, Beth Courtier

BT has provided technical support and �300,000 towards the running costs.

Programme Manager, Beth Courtier, said: "We are happy to support such a worthwhile project.

"And we urge people to make use of the excellent housing advice.

"It may help them prevent their problem becoming a crisis."

Shelterline can be contacted free of charge on 0808 800 4444.