WATFORD WINTER SHELTER

Emergency Overnight Accommodation in Watford

Preventing
homelessness.
Transforming
lives.

A WARM BED THROUGH THE COLDEST MONTHS

Based at the Haven, the shelter provides emergency overnight accommodation for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.

Each night, guests receive a hot evening meal, a warm bed and access to support services designed to help them move toward more stable housing and improved wellbeing.

The shelter is backed by Watford Borough Council, along with corporate donations and the dedication of a band of loyal and hard-working volunteers.

To access the shelter, please call Watford Borough Council on 01923 226 400 for a referral.

WHEN IT'S OPEN

The shelter runs through the coldest months of the year, from November to March.

It also opens during periods of extreme weather, typically when temperatures fall below zero and councils and homelessness agencies declare the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

IMPACT OF THE WINTER SHELTER 2025/26

  • 56

    different people slept at the shelter between November and March

  • 71%

    moved on to longer-term alternative accommodation

  • 854

    nights of accommodation provided

“The staff and volunteers were wonderful. It seemed like God had smiled down on me because everyone was so nice to me.”

— LINDA, A FORMER WINTER SHELTER GUEST