Beginning: Seeing the Need

The ‘Winchester Churches Nightshelter’ was ‘born’ in 1988 when it became apparent that a growing number of people in the Winchester area were becoming homeless and had no alternative but to sleep rough. These people needed shelter; food, warmth, friendship, acceptance and assistance to re-establish them back into society. In response to this need, the Winchester Churches Housing Group, an organisation set up by a number of churches in Winchester working together, formed a sub group to find suitable accommodation and to provide the necessary help for this particular group of people.

This charity group, run by voluntary effort, were able to utilise various buildings around the city, which were temporarily vacant prior to redevelopment. This led to short-term accommodation being provided, first in church halls and later in vacant properties in Colebrook Street, Middlebrook Street, Moorside, Carlisle House (St. Thomas Street) and Red Hatch (Andover Road).

A Permanent Home for the WCNS

In 1996 a building deemed suitable for a permanent Nightshelter, belonging to Hampshire County Council, was identified in the Staple Gardens/Jewry Street area. This building had previously been used as a Victorian Gasworks, a Bakery, a Co-operative Dairy, a Printing Works and finally a Library Store. It was certainly not in pristine condition, but it did have definite potential. The Winchester and District Housing Association agreed to develop the site, in a joint venture, to provide a shelter for the homeless on the ground floor and ten low cost studio flats above.

Finally, on 9 June 1997, after some delay, the building was finished. Soon after, the Jewry Street site was ‘up and running’ and became the new and permanent home of the Winchester Churches Nightshelter.

The Shelter was dedicated to the ‘Glory of God’ and officially opened on the 14 September 1997 by the Rev Paul Hills, a local Baptist minister. The final move from Red Hatch was achieved in a day, which would not have been possible without the aid of "Pickfords", who offered their removal services completely free of charge!

Through the Seasons

In the first few years of operation, in other locations, the shelter provided nightly accommodation for guests during the winter period only. It was then commonly known as a “Winterwatch” facility.

However, during the second period of stay at Moorside, it became apparent that there was a need for an “all year round” shelter and so it eventually came to be.

On the 22 September 1995, this enterprise became a Charity in its own right and was registered as the “Winchester Churches Nightshelter”. During the year 2000 the charity also became a Company Limited by Guarantee.

It has always been the policy of the Nightshelter to provide an evening meal, hot and cold drinks, a bed, clothing, toiletries and friendship. However, as the charity has developed, the service now includes access to ‘floating support’, through Westgate Support and Care, and this service offers advice and support on various aspects of homelessness and assistance to find alternative “move-on” accommodation. Up until Christmas 2003, the Nightshelter facility also included a Primary Health Care Clinic, which operated through a dedicated team of voluntary doctors and nurses. However, with effect from January 2004 this service is now ably provided by the Trinity Day Centre, which has employed a doctor to offer this much needed service for this particular client group. The Shelter staff also liaise with a network of national and local voluntary and statutory organisations to help facilitate, build and strengthen links to help the ‘guests’ at the Nightshelter.

Where we are today

As the project continues to expand, its services now include a permanent staff of seven: a Project Manager, Michele Price, along with a part-time Project Administrator, four Project Supervisors and one part-time Project Kitchen Supervisor, all of who operate a regular shift system, which ensures that the shelter is ‘covered’ during operating hours.

The ‘Team’ receives vital support from many volunteers, who are crucial to the opening and safe operation of the Nightshelter. They cook, clean, help in the evening, or stay overnight. Without them, the Shelter simply would not open.

Many local churches give vital support by providing food on a rota basis. This consists of several cooked meat dishes each week as well as generous financial support and expertise. Local schools also support the Shelter by donating food and raising funds, particularly at Christmas and Harvest Festival time.

Approximately two thirds of our financial income comes through ‘Housing Benefits’ and ‘Supporting People‘, as well as an annual grant from Winchester City Council.

We may be somewhat biased, but the staff and directors of the project believe that the Winchester Churches Nightshelter is one of the best Nightshelter facilities anywhere in the British Isles. Many of our guests say the same too - and they have been to the others!

Written by Jonathan Walker
Amended 27.01.07