Night Shelter

“I was very depressed when I came into the shelter…
Staff, volunteers and other guests helped me to rebuild my self-esteem. I have also got the opportunity to work, because the West London Churches assisted me… Importantly they listened to me, and made me feel valued”.
WLCHC Guest ‘J’, March 2007

The night shelter runs through the winter months – from mid November to early April – and is based at a different church venue every night. We provide a warm, safe and welcoming shelter for up to 35 guests who also receive a hot evening meal and a cooked breakfast in the morning.

Central to our approach is the way that guests, volunteers and staff sit and eat together which helps make our guests feel “at home”. We have found this approach is rewarding for both volunteers and homeless guests, especially those who previously have been unable or unwilling to work with support and local statutory services.

Everybody who stays at the shelter is given a sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Our male and female guests sleep in different areas. Those who cannot access the shelter when it is full are served a hot meal and drink with some friendly words. On the coldest nights – 0c and below – we try to accommodate all those that arrive at our door, as long as we feel it is safe to do so.