The Council and HARP are working to ensure people currently sleeping rough in the city don’t have to be out in the cold this winter.
An emergency cold weather shelter will be open and run by HARP from 1 December until around the end of February. HARP is working in partnership with the council on this initiative.
The winter shelter will be managed by HARP staff and volunteers and will open from 7pm every evening and close at 8.30am with people using the shelter then being encouraged to visit HARP's Bradbury Centre during the day for breakfasts, hot showers and to access other services as normal.
We know from demand last year that this service is going to be critical over the colder months. We have worked quickly with the council to make sure we can meet the rising need to offer this service during the winter months when it is really tough for anyone sleeping outside. As well as providing people with a bed each night our staff and volunteer teams will be working with the people that come to the shelter to help them overcome the reasons for homelessness. This might involve helping them into a HARP property or looking for permanent accommodation; or working with other organisations to ensure they are accessing all the services that are on offer including health services.
HARP will also ensure that everyone who comes to the shelter has a Christmas dinner, gift and some festive cheer during the Christmas season.
If someone is currently sleeping rough in Southend-on-Sea and are verified by the outreach team they will be able to access the shelter. If they are not currently a verified rough sleeper by the Southend-on-Sea outreach team but are struggling without housing they can approach their local council for advice and support. People will not be able to come to the shelter on their own accord but be supported to the shelter by our Street Outreach Team. This is to protect the safety of the people we are working with and ensure we can meet demand.
If you see somebody sleeping rough please report this at www.streetlink.org.uk.
How can the community help?
- donate money to support HARP's work and christmas appeal - HARP still need financial support to provide ongoing support and presents for people visiting the shelter
- volunteer - HARP need volunteers to help staff the shelter and work alongside HARP staff
- donate items - HARP need pillows, duvets, single sheets, blankets, clothes, gifts for people using the shelter at Christmas. Please take these items to the Bradbury Centre in York Road