Despite HARP’s request that the churches in Southend discuss if they could host a Winter Night Shelter and the fact that we have the offer of a venue (but no funding), a Working Group comprising partners from the Southend Homeless Action Network (SHAN) concluded that a Winter Night Shelter may not be needed. This recognises that additional and some specialised ‘Complex Needs’ accommodation is about to become available through SHAN partners such as HARP and ‘Off-the-Streets’ which will be able to house most (perhaps all) of the approx. 30 rough sleepers the Council’s Rough Sleeper Team currently know about and are monitoring.
However, we are aware that homelessness in Southend can quickly change during the winter season and the need is more likely to develop in the colder January and February period as Christmas generosity subsides. This position is actively monitored by the Council’s Rough Sleeper Team through regular street counts and meetings, and by the annual Rough Sleeper Count for the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Working Group also discussed contingency plans should a significant number of rough sleepers be identified during particularly cold weather, what funding would be required, and what fundraising initiatives might be engaged.
For the immediate homelessness and community poverty need, public buildings (including churches) are being asked to provide “warm spaces” that will stay open into the evening (until 8pm, or even 9pm) that will be a restful space for those already in accommodation overnight. These will hopefully distract them from some of the challenges that life may still pose and give an opportunity to foster more social connections.
Exactly what is offered would be down to each venue, but could include light refreshments, board games, books, etc. It is not thought meals are necessary because the “soup kitchens” at SVP and One Love will continue to operate.
This initiative has been identified as an important contribution to the City’s long-term Homelessness Strategy so churches across the city are now asked to urgently consider if they can offer a “warm space” perhaps in conjunction with other local churches so that resources are pooled, and gaps and overlaps are avoided.
A map and list of local Warm Spaces is at: https://onesouthend.com/warm-spaces
N.B. The Council are in the process of updating it. “Warm space” providers can also update it directly.
A list of Christmas and New Year opening times for where and when food will be available is linked here:
Christmas 2024 and New Year 2024 – 2025 Opening Times (PDF)
Not yet included are:
1) At Trinity Methodist (London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea):
a. Christmas Day and Boxing Day Lunches: 10:30 until 14:30.
b. No need to book – just turn up!
2) At All Saints Church Hall (Southend-on-Sea):
a. Breakfast on Christmas Eve; and
b. Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day.
3) And may be some others!
Also linked for download is the Council’s “Cost of Living Support and Advice” booklet.
Southend-on-Sea City Council Cost of Living Booklet Nov 2024 (PDF)