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Homeless shelter sees guests move to stable homes

Alex Popein Bedford
News imageHopeWorks Five people, in a room, all looking at the camera. A woman, and a man are sitting down, the man has on a dark coat, top and trouser and has a thumb up. He has a plate of food and a cup by him on a table, with flowers on. The woman next to him has purple hair and is wearing a white top with a red apron on. Three other people are standing behind, with lanyards on all smiling. HopeWorks
More than 70 guests used the charities headquarters that was converted into a night shelter

Staff at a winter homeless shelter who have supported rough sleepers for more than three months say half of their guests have been able to move into stable and suitable accommodation.

From 1 December to 16 March the charity HopeWorks, on Harpur Street, Bedford, has provided 20 beds a night to a total of about 70 guests.

Kirstie Cook, its chief executive, said many visitors came to the facility with "complex needs", particularly in relation to their mental health.

"Their courage and resilience has been inspirational and it has been a privilege to meet them," she added.

News imageHopeWorks Three people making beds in a room, that has a large window with curtains either side. There are a number of beds in the room, and white sheets on them. A man, to the right, has on a black T-shirt and trousers and is wearing blue gloves. One woman is holding a pillow, with short hair and another woman holds a white duvet. HopeWorks
Volunteers were kept busy for the entire time the shelter was open from December to March

The charity has run the shelter since 2023 and this year it has been supported by more than 100 volunteers.

They cooked and served food, cleaned, made beds and provided a "safe and stable environment for some of the most vulnerable in our community".

"We have noticed an increase in guests living with mental and physical health issues as well as those struggling with substance misuse," Cook said.

News imageHopeWorks A large room, with blue painted walls, with patterned curtains at each window, which are all open. Fairy lights are strung across the room, and a number of camp beds are made up, with blue panels dividing them. The floor is wooden and a clock is painted on one wall. Each bed has a number and black chairs are placed around the room. HopeWorks
Twenty beds were set up for guests to sleep in

The charity worked with Bedford Borough Council, volunteers and other partners, to offer support and advice.

It meant that more than half of the guests moved into "stable, more suitable accommodation", she added.

She said it will return later in the year, if needed, but in the meantime the charity would continue to prevent rough sleeping in the town.

On Monday morning, its last day, she said goodbye to one long-term guest who left to get the keys of his new home in a shared house.

"His smile and gentle 'thank you for all you have done for me' makes it all worthwhile," she added.

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