Beijing has prepared to provide vagrants with food, warm clothes and shelter to help them pass the winter, the city's rescue administration has said.

The administration said Friday all the 19 rescue centers in the city would be open to vagrants and trampers, providing shelter and other necessities. Food and clothes will also be handed out to those who are reluctant to come to the rescue centers.

The administration has wrapped up checks on the centers' heating systems to make sure they are working effectively and safely. Irregular inspections will continue to be conducted throughout the wintertime.

Beijing Rescue Administration was founded in 2003 and the 19 centers have received a total of 20,000 vagrants to satisfy their primary needs.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2005)