Elmbridge night shelter reopens this winter
The Molesey Churches Night Shelter opened its doors again at the beginning of December, offering emergency accommodation for people who are homeless over the winter months.
Up to 12 guests are housed each night, supported by the night shelter manager and an incredible team of volunteers, who offer homemade meals and a friendly listening ear. During their time at the shelter, guests can get help finding homes with long-term tenancies, can access specialist support through the Bridge the Gap* programme, and take steps towards rebuilding their lives.
The night shelter is very much a community venture and guests have described their experience there as one which made them feel part of a family.
Last year, Walton Charity funded the night shelter through our community grants programme and this year we are awarding a grant of £15,000.
“The support of Walton Charity has been crucial for us. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to stay open through the winter and would have had to close our doors on some of the coldest nights of the year. We also hugely appreciate the support they give beyond finances - we really feel this is a community partnership not just an exchange of finances.”
The night shelter will stay open at St Peter’s Church Youth and Community Hub in West Molesey until the end of March 2024.
*Bridge the Gap - long-term specialist community outreach from multiple organisations to address complex needs of people facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance use, domestic abuse, mental health issues and contact with the criminal justice system. It helps people move on with their lives.