Church Opens Doors for Homeless This Winter

This winter, the historic Church Of The Holy Sepulchre in Northampton will open its community rooms to serve as a vital night shelter for those sleeping rough. The shelter is scheduled to operate from January through March, offering a safe and warm refuge during the coldest period of the year. This important project is a collaboration between West Northamptonshire Council and the Northampton Hope Centre, which will jointly fund and manage the facility.

Joanne Pritchard, chief executive of the Northampton Hope Centre, highlighted the shelter's role beyond immediate relief. She stated it provides warmth, dignity, and safety, acting as a crucial gateway to hope and stability. Security staff will ensure a safe environment overnight. Guests will also have access to the charity's day centre during the day for hot meals, showers, and support services.

This new shelter operates alongside an existing 27-bed facility in Northampton, underscoring a concerted effort to address homelessness. Council officials emphasized that the initiative is designed not only to offer a bed but to provide stability and a clear pathway towards longer-term housing solutions for vulnerable individuals.