When temperatures drop and the streets become dangerous, the Watford Winter Shelter can mean the difference between life and death for people experiencing homelessness. It does far more than provide a bed for the night – it offers safety, dignity, human connection, and a pathway towards long-term change.

At New Hope, meals are about far more than nourishment. They are moments of care, dignity, and connection - and sometimes, they unlock long lost memories. Recently, such a moment unfolded for one man in New Hope’s emergency accommodation. The catalyst?  A simple bowl of custard. It was a powerful reminder of happier days, before homelessness turned his life upside down.

A Homeless Health Needs Audit (HHNA) has shown those experiencing homelessness in Watford were too often unable to access health care services, or had their access delayed, which is having a far-reaching impact on their quality of life and life expectancy.

Everything we do at New Hope is made possible by the generosity, thoughtfulness, compassion and commitment of our extensive community of super selfless volunteers and donors.