Hackney Winter Night Shelter opens doors for 25th year
Hackney Winter Night Shelter ready for guests. (Photograph: Paul Driver)
Hackney Winter Night Shelter (HWNS) has made a fresh call for volunteers in its 25th year of helping the borough’s homeless.
The shelter, run by charity Hackney Doorways, has provided a hot meal and a warm bed for people during the coldest winter months since 1993.
Chair of trustees Andrew Hudson told the Citizen: “We’re now open five months a year rather than three, with 25 guests after Christmas rather than 15, and two advocate workers helping guests to find more suitable accommodation.
“Sadly, homelessness is still on the rise, so the need for our services is as great as ever. If you would like to volunteer, or give a donation, please go to our website.”
The charity welcomes financial and physical donations, which could include sleeping bags, non-perishable foodstuffs, winter jackets, trainers and toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving kits, shampoo and shower gel).
If you’d like to donate money now, you can text HWNS02 and £2, £5, or £10 to 70070 – for example, “HWNS02 £5”.
I’ll be doing my first night this year tomorrow. As a volunteer for over 5 years I can say that it’s a fantastic way to volunteer in #Hackney providing some respite from the winter cold for those with no where else to go.
A really fantastic organisation, providing a fantastic service to its guests and the community.