But for Eastbourne's homeless community – particularly the rough sleepers who bed down on the streets at night – such basics are not a part of their daily way of life.

Meeting that gap, however, is the Salvation Army in Eastbourne which works tirelessly with the town's homeless people to provide a little comfort and support.

It isn't just rough sleepers and the homeless that call into the Citadel in Langney Road for meals.

Behind the statistics frequently banded around, there is a huge number of families who are without a permanent home and are living in bed and breakfast accommodation while they try and edge their way up the housing waiting lists operated by the council and various housing associations.

The majority of bed and breakfast accommodation offers only a bed and there isn't any breakfast.

In fact, there isn't any food included in their accommodation and no cooking facilities to prepare any meals.

That is why the Salvation Army is considered such a lifeline.

At the helm of the operation is Pauline Peagham, the community development worker for the Salvation Army for almost a year, who together with a team of volunteers carry out vital work for the record number of people living on the streets.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they distribute sandwiches to homeless people and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings the Citadel plays host to countless numbers who sit down to a two- course evening meal.

In addition, there is a shower which is used by rough sleepers and a medical clinic and there are also local doctors and chirpodists, who offer their services.

Pauline, who worked in the tourism industry before taking up her post at the Salvation Army, co-ordinates the services offered and is a popular and trusted lady who has built up a friendly rapport with many of the clients.

Her working week begins with a trip to Tesco on Monday morning to stock up on food which will be cooked by the team of volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

From October to Easter, clients at the Citadel tuck into soup and a roll and a main meal between 6-8pm and in the summer a main meal and pudding is on the menu.

"It varies but it is normally about 70 people on each evening," said Pauline.

"There is a need for what we do – the numbers of people who come to us reflect that.

"Between 10am-12noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings an average of 30 people come through the doors for a round of sandwiches they can take away with them.

"We also give them tea bags, powdered milk and we try and encourage them to get hold of flasks so they can make a hot drink in the cold weather.

"People who are sleeping rough can also use the shower and use razors, shaving foam, toothbrushes and toothpaste donated by members of the public and local churches.

"They are also provided with a set of clean clothes and can leave their clothes in for washing."

With calls for a proper night-time shelter and suitable accommodation for the homeless population mounting, Pauline says the Salvation Army is doing all it can at the present time.

"We can't give them accommodation but there is plenty we can offer them," said Pauline.

"We see this as a stepping stone to providing better and more adequate facilities in Eastbourne.

"People just don't realise how bad the situation is in Eastbourne. They don't really see it but we have more people than ever coming through our doors.

"We can't do all of this alone, however. We are lucky enough to have many supporters who donate items."

M&S in Eastbourne provides food, various churches donate toiletries and clothes and Eastbourne Rotary AM has provided kitchen equipment. We are always grateful."

In particular at this time of year the Salvation Army is appealing for donations of sleeping bags and anyone wishing to donate or join the band of volunteers can contact Pauline at the Citadel on 01323 640382.