Newport Nightshelter 2017/2018
Eden Gate exists in Newport for those who find themselves sinking, either because they have no home or because they are trapped by drugs or alcohol (or sometimes both). Nobody has to sink when there are hands willing to help.
The key to our programme is engaging those who can cope, to help those who can’t. We are well placed to do that, because our special relationship with Newport churches and their members provides a channel whereby anybody who wants to help is enabled to volunteer and engage with those who need help.
This year saw Newport Nightshelter open for the 9th year.
In Newport, there is a need for emergency winter accommodation for those that find themselves homeless whilst long term solutions are being sought. The Night Shelter fills the gap in providing safety and refuge for those that find themselves homeless during the winter months and supporting them to secure temporary or permanent accommodation. Throughout our guests stay in the Nightshelter we continue to support those who struggle with their cycle of homelessness and addictions in order to help break this cycle.
Newport Nightshelter provides emergency accommodation, a hot meal, a warm bed for the night and breakfast for those over the age of 18, who find themselves in need. This year the project was open between 20th November 2017 and 25th March 2018 (the coldest months of the year) and operated through a partnership with 16 local churches a team of fully trained volunteers.
Over the 2017/2018 winter period Newport Nightshelter received a total of 103 referrals; 64 of which stayed for one or more nights. Of these 64 there were 50 males and 14 females that accessed the Night shelter with an age range of 18 – 60. In total this meant that we saved 1266 nights of sleeping rough.
This year’s winter Nightshelter saw 14 Nightshelter guests successfully secure accommodation and 4 guests accessed Christian residential rehabilitation. Unfortunately 3 guests left their rehabilitation program early however one still remains and is doing well! A total of 391 volunteers participated across all 16 churches this year and we are so grateful for all the hard work and support our volunteers provide.
A big thank you from all of us at Eden Gate for all who were involved in this years Newport Nightshelter and to the people of Newport for your donations over the cold weather period. Our work doesn’t stop here however, we continue to support those rough sleeping and vulnerable in Newport through our First Contact drop-in sessions and soon through our Summer shelter project.
More information on our Newport Nightshelter Plus Summer Shelter will follow soon however should you be interested in volunteering with us on any of our projects then please contact us here!
Additionally should you wish to support us financially then you can find a link to our donations page here!
Thank you!
