Night shelters

Every shelter project is unique, and there are many different variations of them. Most run during the winter months, anytime from November to the end of March. Many will open for a set period during this time, whilst others operate for the full five months. Some churches run night shelters as part of a wider, cold-weather scheme with other churches and charitable organisations in their area. Here, they work together on a rota basis to provide a warm and safe bed for the night.

In many shelters, churches offer more than this, providing a range of other support services.

• Providing a hot evening meal and breakfast
• Advice on housing support, debt counselling, domestic violence, and getting a job
• Washing facilities
• A warm place to sit and chat.

Whatever the shelter project, steps must be taken to make sure they remain safe places for both those in need and those who run them. Our guide provides the information you need to meet your legal requirements and help you keep people safe.