Gearing up to launch Watford Winter Shelter

Staff and volunteers are gearing up to launch a winter shelter for homeless people experiencing homelessness in Watford.

Watford Winter Shelter at the Haven in Whippendell Road, is run by New Hope and backed by the borough council. It will operate every night from November 9 until mid-March next year accommodating up to 15 people each night, including those with pets.

Guests will receive hot meals, drinks, washing facilities, clean clothing and other essentials. Staff and volunteers will also offer emotional support and practical advice, helping guests connect with housing, healthcare and other support services.

The night shelter began as a trial in 2018 and since then it has supported more than 480 people who would otherwise have had nowhere else to sleep during the coldest months of the year. For many, the shelter serves as a starting point for long-term recovery and stability. More than half of those who stayed at the shelter in the past three winters have moved on to longer-term accommodation.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: "No one should have to face a freezing winter night without somewhere safe and warm to sleep. For eight years, our winter night shelter has offered much more than emergency accommodation.

"It has provided kindness, dignity and, most importantly, a pathway towards a more secure future. Behind every number is a person whose life has been changed through the dedication of New Hope's staff, volunteers and our wider community.

"We’re proud of our partnership with New Hope, and our plans to support the redevelopment of 122 Exchange Road [to create a homelessness hub] demonstrate our continued commitment to providing lasting solutions to homelessness."

A volunteer at the shelter said: "People often arrive absolutely exhausted, sometimes frightened, and feeling as though the world has forgotten about them. But after a hot meal, a shower, a friendly conversation and a proper night's sleep, you can see the difference in their faces.

"It's not just about giving someone a bed. It's about making them feel welcome, valued and human again. Something as simple as remembering someone's name or sitting down for a chat can mean more than you might imagine. That's what makes volunteering here so rewarding."

A former shelter guest, who has since moved into longer-term accommodation, said: "When you're sleeping rough, you're constantly on edge. You're cold, you're tired and you never really feel safe. Coming into the shelter meant I could finally relax and get some proper sleep.

"The volunteers didn't judge me or make me feel like I was a problem. They treated me like a person. Having someone listen, offer you a hot meal and help you work out what to do next, makes a massive difference. It gave me hope that things could get better."