Drop-In is a bustling hub as we say farewell to Winter Night Shelter

It is normally at this time of year that we start training volunteers to run our Winter Night Shelter. It’s not been possible for 2 years due to the Covid restrictions and during the break the whole charity and  sector has had a hard think about how best to support homeless people to get the most positive outcomes.

And this changing landscape of homelessness provision across the country, means floating night shelters are now a things of the past. Government and local authorities have seen the difference single room accommodation makes to someone.

There’s a lot going on at Renewed Hope and our work is needed more than ever.

Winter Night Shelter

The East Surrey Winter Night Shelter has been an invaluable service helping hundreds of people at their lowest. We can’t thank our supporters enough for your contribution towards its success.

As with many things, Covid prevented the shelter from running, however it was also the catalyst for changing how all services approach supporting homeless people. With this change in landscape, now is the time to say farewell to the Winter Night Shelter.

This does not diminish how much it transformed people’s lives. In fact, its absence revealed just how much of a difference it made.

Locally, the councils have had the funding to put everyone in B&B throughout winter.

What we’re doing instead

At Renewed Hope we opened a supported house for four previously homeless men and we give them tailored support to prepare them for independent living.

Also Drop-In has become the support hub we always wanted from moving into our own space. The homeless outreach service ESOS hold triage sessions here, SES Water come to check are getting the discounts they are entitled to and the NHS have held health clinics and there is more planned.

And the demand for Renewed Hope has never been higher. We are seeing about 50 people in the Drop-In each month, More and more, they are struggling with mental illness, addiction, financial difficulties and so we’re currently putting our resources into expanding Drop-In services further.

Renewed Hope’s long-term ambition remains to open a larger property for homeless men with higher needs – a gap in local provision identified by many agencies. This requires funding, expertise, not to mention a property in the right location!

Please spread the word and if you would like find out more about fundraising, volunteering or anything else, please get in touch on info@renewedhope.org.uk or 01737 886997.

Thank you for your support.