A winter shelter for homeless people from Elmbridge, Runnymede and Spelthorne has opened this week in Staines. The shelter is being run by Transform Housing & Support, working in partnership with several local organisations.
Transform has launched the winter shelter to help people who would otherwise be sleeping rough during the coldest and wettest time of year. It will operate from 5 January until the end of March.
The shelter in Staines will help up to eight homeless men and up to two homeless women each night. Each person will be given a bed for the night, hot drinks and a hot meal in the evening and breakfast in the morning. The project will help local people who might otherwise be sleeping on the streets, in shop doorways, or in a tent or vehicle.
The shelter is open to single homeless people with a connection to Elmbridge, Runnymede or Spelthorne. The project operates by referral only, with people being assessed off-site and booked in during the day. People cannot be accepted at the shelter if they turn up without a place booked.
Potential applicants can be referred for assessment by contacting one of the following local agencies:
- Elmbridge Borough Council
- Elmbridge Rentstart
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Runnymede Rentstart
- Spelthorne Borough Council
- Spelthorne Rentstart
Paul Mitchell, Chief Executive of Transform Housing & Support, said:
"The winter shelter will give homeless people a warm and dry place to stay, with support to help them get off the streets for good. This is the third year we have run a shelter and we know there is a real need in the area. We are very grateful to everyone who is supporting the project; the project partners, funders and donors, and all our staff and volunteers. It has been really encouraging to see the community coming together to support people in need."
We are working with Elmbridge, Runnymede and Spelthorne Borough Councils, and the Rentstarts from the three boroughs. Significant funding is being provided by Walton Charity and the shelter premises has been provided by Surrey County Council. Support has already been received from several local businesses, community groups and charities, as well as many individuals.
We have run a winter shelter to help local homeless people for the past two years. Last year’s shelter received 48 referrals in three months – equivalent to one homeless person every two days.
We still need to raise £4,000 to keep the shelter running for three months. To make a donation online please visit our winter shelter campaign page. If you prefer not to donate online, view our other ways to donate.
