Night Shelter opened on 1st November
We opened our doors for the winter and welcomed our guests in out of the cold.
This year Hackney Winter Night Shelter once again opened its doors for guests who would otherwise be sleeping rough.
We open from the beginning of November until the end of March, through the coldest nights of the year. The shelter is run from a number of different venues across the borough. Known as a "roving shelter" which is in a different place each night, our guests stay with us for periods that can be for a few days or several months, depending upon their circumstances and how quickly we can find alternative more stable accommodation for them.
Men and women are referred to us through our network of partners within the homelessness sector. We are unable to take direct referrals as potential guests need to be assessed to see whether the shelter is right for them and that we can meet their needs.
Last year, 102 people stayed in the shelter. The shelters are run by volunteers, and two Advocate Workers provide professional support to help guests find a route out of homelessness, helping them to secure move on accommodation.