Emergency Short-term Accommodation for People Experiencing
Homelessness
Our Emergency Accommodation offers short-term accommodation (25 bedrooms), as well as support, meals and laundry facilities. This accommodation focuses on helping people with a local connection to Watford.
Staff work with other services, including our tenancy sustainment team, to provide a tailored package for each person while helping them towards moving into longer-term accommodation.
Emergency Accommodation
Manager: Vivienne Brennan
Phone number: 01923 801 188
Address: Central Watford
The Emergency Accommodation impact:
In the financial year 2025/26, 61 people stayed in Emergency Accommodation with an average of two people moving on to longer-term accommodation each month, including New Hope accommodation, rehabs, social housing and the private rental sector.
“Can’t thank you enough for getting me strong enough and in a better head space than I have been in a long time”
How to access our emergency accommodation:
Access is by referral from the Haven or Outreach Plus between 10.30am - 12.15pm and 1.45pm-3pm (Monday to Friday).
Eligibility criteria:
Single homeless people, 18 years and over
Have a local connection to Watford (five of the last six years) and evidence of this
Have a current, live, benefit claim with proof of benefits. This means that the individual must be already receiving money or can prove when their first payment will be.
Be eligible to claim housing benefit. Those with shortfall will be responsible for paying the difference.
Have the ability to pay ineligible charges (service charge) up until their next benefit payment date
The Sanctuary Emergency Accommodation has two beds which are set aside for those who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).
How to help:
We currently need:
Dinner plates
Breakfast Bowls
Mugs
A four-slice toaster
Toiletries (toothpaste, spray deodorants for men and women)
Boxers
Knickers
Bedding: Single duvets, pillows, single duvet covers and single fitted sheets. (We can accept used bedding if it is clean and in good condition.)
Please call 01923 227 132 to arrange delivery to the Emergency Accommodation. Thank you.
