Bring people in from the cold this winter

Experiencing homelessness is tough, but even more so during freezing winter conditions and a global pandemic. Winter services on which rough sleepers would normally depend are unable to operate under COVID restrictions or are doing so at significantly reduced capacity and unemployment levels are high due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

Chris experienced homelessness during the pandemic after his work dried up due and he lost his home. He slept on friends’ sofas but started sleeping rough after lockdown restrictions meant this was no longer an option. He spent four months sleeping rough before applying to Emmaus Hertfordshire. 

“I count myself lucky because I was offered a place in an Emmaus community. Now I have a secure place to live and the time and space to get myself back together. ” 

“I was nervous when I first arrived at my community, especially as I had to quarantine for several days and didn’t meet other residents for a while. But since then it’s been amazing. The staff and other companions have given me lots of support and guidance and I really appreciate having people around me that I can talk to.”   

“I was sleeping rough in the summer months and that was bad enough. I can’t imagine what it must be like now, in the middle of winter.”

It is estimated that the number of beds available in winter shelters for rough sleepers could be reduced by as much as two thirds, making winter emergency accommodation much harder to come by. Thankfully, Chris was able to move into an Emmaus community in his time of need and now has a home for as long as he needs it. Help us to ensure we can provide a safe and stable home to those who need it throughout 2021 and beyond. 

Thank you.