Need for shelter space!

Bristol’s rough sleepers have had access to more temporary shelter spaces this winter than in any previous year. There have been 107 beds available most nights (95 on Saturday’s) with a very high occupancy rate. At the end of March this drops down to there being a maximum of 65 beds with one night being just 47 beds. This lower number of beds prevails until the autumn. For those already using the shelters, move-on options are being actively pursued.

Based on the increasing need for shelter beds, the Shelter Programme Steering Group are looking for venues where temporary night shelters could be hosted. Unlike the Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter project, these venues would be operated on a basis similar to the well-established 365 Shelter i.e. 12 to 15 beds, open 7 nights per week, open at 9:30/10pm close at 7:30/8am, St Mungo’s referrals only, no meals provided, basic facilities. Whilst the building owner/operator could be involved in running the shelter this is not a necessity nor is the provision of overnight volunteers but where there is experience and availability….

Could your church make part of its building available from April to September to host such a shelter? If you believe that you might be able to offer a suitable space please could you contact Jonathan Lee. If there would be a cost/conditions for such use, please indicate what those might be. Jonathan can be e-mailed at jonathan.lee a_t crisis-centre d_o_t org d_o_t uk. Thank you.