Basildon Emergency Night Shelter

Basildon Emergency Night Shelters

Winter Night Shelter – 8^th December 2025 to the end of March 2026.

Who are we?  - We are a group of volunteers, of all ages and from all walks of life, from the Church and Community with a shared aim to help vulnerable people. Some of us will have volunteered before but many will be new to the shelters this year.

What do we do? - We share compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves and aim to provide a safe, comfortable place for people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets. We give them a warm welcome, food, and a warm bed for the night. All are welcome regardless of race, colour, creed, disability, gender identity, and sex. The volunteers lend a listening ear when needed and supply information about agencies that may be able to help our guests. Volunteers and guests have rules and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to enable the smooth running of the shelters and to make for a safe, peaceful night.

When are our volunteer time slots? - This year the shelters open on Monday, 8th December and run until the end of March, 7 nights a week. Doors open 9pm and close 8am. Volunteers work one of the following shifts - Evening shifts 8.30pm -11pm and Morning shifts 7am – 9am.

Why are we targeting the homeless for our help? There are many rough sleepers in the Basildon area. Some you may have seen around the town centre but there are many more who you would be unaware of. They are frequently physically and verbally attacked, just because they are seen as “different.” They have their belongings stolen or destroyed because they are vulnerable. They are people just like you and me and most didn’t choose to be on the streets. They deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe at night.