Winter shelter finds homes for rough sleepers

Volunteer Bernice helped Max, a guest, complete a jigsaw puzzle

A night shelter that operated for more than three months has helped get homeless people off the streets and into stable accommodation, its chief executive has said.

Kirstie Cook, from the King's Arm Project in Bedford, said its Winter Night Shelter welcomed 104 guests.

The charity worked with local councils to secure long-term housing and offer skills workshops, employment coaching and confidence-building sessions.

Ms Cook said with assistance from more than 100 volunteers, 1,400 beds were provided and 2,718 meals were handed out.

Slowomir stayed in the shelter and enjoyed getting hot meals

"Being here has put a whole different perspective on life," said Max, who stayed as a guest.

"It's helped me push myself to fight for survival. I am motivated to find a job and I know what to do now."

Terry, who had been sleeping rough, said: "Everyone has been so helpful, the support was spot on.

"People here try to help you feel the best you can out of a bad situation."

Mihai, who also stayed at the shelter, said it had given him his "power back".

Pamela, a volunteer, added: "It's been a privilege to meet the guests and share a little bit of their lives with them."

Volunteers helped to keep the shelter clean and tidy while it was open

Ms Cook said it became a "home, a refuge, family, a place of laughter, tears and courage" from 2 December until 10 March.

"As our last long-term guest left the shelter to go to his new accommodation, he gave a speech which reduced us to tears as he thanked us for saving his life, helping him break his addiction, being like a family to him and giving him the power to believe in life again."

She continued: "In collaboration with our colleagues in the council and at SMART CJS [the homelessness charity] we have seen many move onto more stable accommodation and will continue to support those who need it moving forward."

Volunteers served more than 2,700 meals to guests including bespoke sandwich orders

Four co-ordinators and an outreach team were on hand to lead the volunteers.

In total, 86 men and 18 women were supported - and the charity said all five beds for women were being used at times.

Funding of £60,000 to help run the facility came from Bedford Borough Council.

Ms Cooks said if demand remained high, the facility could return.