People are being urged to watch out for the vulnerable or face a “high homeless death toll” as a -10C arctic blast hits this week.
A cold weather alert has been issued as the Met Office warns of plummeting temperatures in the UK, with -6C in England and -10C in Scotland.
Volunteers said the forecast for the elderly and the homeless is “frightening”.
Snow could descend on the North along with frost and ice causing dangerous driving conditions.
But people are being urged not to turn their heating down, despite horrific energy prices.
The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office have issued a level three cold weather alert between 6pm today and 9am on Monday.
The level alerts social and healthcare services to take action.
David Hedley, a volunteer for the homeless and elderly in Leeds, warned: “We’ll have to prepare for a high homeless death toll if people don’t start acting now. This is going to cause deaths.
“We have an uncompassionate Government and they are doing nothing. If you see someone, contact local authorities.”
Age UK spokeswoman Sophie Barrett said: “We are hearing lots of very sad stories… some are sacrificing food for heating, others will be staying in bed all day to avoid getting cold.”
She urged people to check the benefits to which they are entitled. Charities have told how demand at foodbanks has risen by more than 50%. Volunteers at Feeding Families are packing 140,000 items into 8,000 boxes to bring relief.
A spokesman for the Met Office, Oli Claydon, said: “Look out for anyone who is vulnerable and take care in severe weather areas.”
Shelter said the Government needs to unfreeze housing benefits so people can afford to pay their rent. Chief executive Polly Neate said: “A freezing doorway or tent are no substitute for a home.”
She advised people to ask someone on the street if they need a hot drink, food or help to call Shelter’s free helpline.
People can also contact Streetlink at www.streetlink.org.uk, or call 999.
