Our Winter Shelter has reopened
On Monday 9 October 2023, we reopened our Winter Shelter on the University of Nottingham’s University Park campus. We will offer short-term emergency accommodation for up to 27 people every night for 26 weeks until April 2024. 24-hour support will be provided in a university building, ensuring there are fewer people sleeping on the streets of Nottingham during the coldest months of the year.
“The Winter Shelter is an integral service in the additional winter provision for people vulnerable to rough sleeping in Nottingham. We are aware that the cost of living and increase in the cost of accommodation are contributing to a rise in the number of people presenting as homeless. We are hopeful that based on last year’s figures we will be able to support more than fifty percent of people who used the shelter into accommodation solutions.”
Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House
“This is the third year we’ve been able to support Emmanuel House and as ever it’s great to be able to support such a worthwhile initiative. The services that Emmanuel House provide are invaluable and we’re pleased to be able to support our local community in any way we can.
Ashley Roberts, Head of Campus Services at the University, is leading the project
The Winter Shelter meets people’s basic human needs – guests have access to washing facilities, three nutritious meals a day and access to continuous and consistent support. This 24-hour wrap-around care is essential for helping people out of homelessness as it allows support work to continue during the day as guests are helped to find work and long-term accommodation and access other services.
Last year’s Winter Shelter, which was open between 17 October 2022 and 10 April 2023, provided 3922 nights’ protection for a total of 107 people who would otherwise have been rough sleeping. Emmanuel House supported 58 of these people into accommodation.
Emmanuel House has operated a Winter Shelter in Nottingham since 2006. They have gradually become a key service for homeless people over winter. Emmanuel House funds the service through grants from charitable trusts and donations from private donors and businesses. To fund the project Emmanuel House is aiming to raise over £134,000.
How you can support the Winter Shelter
Volunteer
Emmanuel House is currently looking for volunteers and staff to work at the Winter Shelter. The volunteer sessions involve a range of activities, including breakfast service, cooking and serving an evening meal, and activities. Shifts are available Monday – Sunday from morning to evening.
Work at the Winter Shelter
The Winter Shelter is also looking for full-time and part-time support staff. Sessional or contract work is available.
Donate food to the Winter Shelter
If you would like to donate non-perishable food, sleeping bags or clothes to the Winter Shelter, all details can be found on our donations page.
