Thirteen years ago, several churches in Hackney looked at their under-used halls and the number of rough sleepers on the streets, and Hackney Winter Night Shelter was born. A rotating emergency shelter, moving to a different hall each night, we offer a warm welcome, hot supper, bed and breakfast in a safe environment to about 25 guests. We are all volunteers but we now employ a Support Worker to assist the guests to find accommodation.
St Michael and All Angels is the host on Sunday nights, opening at 7pm and closing at 8am the following Monday morning. Some of our guests go to a dormitory at Mare Street Methodist Church as we do not have enough space for them all.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Put out beds, set up and prepare the hall for guests (teenagers 5.30-6.30pm)
- Welcome, chat, serve and eat with the guests (6.30-10.00pm)
- Cook wholesome meal for 30-35 (7pm-9pm)
- Make sandwiches for those turned away (7pm)
- Stay overnight (10.00pm-8.00am)
- Make breakfast on Monday mornings (6.30-8.30am)
- Clear and clean hall (7.30-8.30am)
We come from all walks of life, 80% from the streets around the Church Hall. Lawyers, dinner ladies, doctors, nurses, teachers, housewives, students, secretaries, builders, journalists, care workers, artists, child minders, priests, librarians etc. We are Everyman.
A very friendly atmosphere, interesting people to talk to, an opportunity to learn how others live, a very good supper, and possibly a chance to hone your chess skills as some of our guests are experts. What a pleasant way of spending Sunday evening! You might even get to know your neighbours!
If you would like to help in any way and gain so much back, please contact Tigger Cullinan.
