TWO homeless men died alone on the streets of Tweed Heads this week, a sad truth that breaks the heart of charity founder John Lee.

The deaths have reignited the debate for a homeless shelter in the Tweed.

Tweed Shire Mayor Kevin Skinner said plans were awaiting communication between charity organisations, volunteers and the council on how the centre would be run.

“We will re-open an upgraded community centre in Knox Park, Murwillumbah within 12 months that will have facilities to assist the homeless,” Mr Skinner said.

“The organisational structure is already in place here and we are working to use the same structure in the Tweed.

“When we have a structure we will take it to the state government.

“We are working on it and it will come together.”

But You Have a Friend president John Lee said he was sick of promises.

“Over the last two years I've spoken with Geoff Provest, Justine Elliot and Kevin Skinner and it just seems like nothing is getting done,” Mr Lee said.

“Two people died on the streets this week.

“They are abandoned, some have mental issues and they're just not getting support.

“A lot of our homeless aren't drug addicts or drunks; they are women and small families living in cars.

“I have meetings about development applications with bureaucrats and in the meantime we've got people dying.”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest has supported a homeless facility in Tweed Heads for the last two years.

A spokeswoman from his office said Mr Provest maintained that support and had started talks with government ministers.

Federal MP Justine Elliot said funding would be a state issue and called on Geoff Provest to honour his promises to build a shelter.

Visit www.youhaveafriend.org.au.