WNC and Hope Centre relaunch winter night shelter to protect rough sleepers this winter

12 December 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northampton Hope Centre will once again open a Winter Shelter from January to March 2026, offering a safe and welcoming space for people sleeping rough during the coldest months of the year. The project, funded by the Council and delivered by Hope, will ensure no one is left out in freezing conditions.

This year’s shelter will be based at the Holy Sepulchre Community Rooms on Church Lane, Northampton - next to, but not inside, the church. The venue will provide a warm, safe place to sleep, with hot drinks and professional security staff on site throughout the night to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. The shelter will run alongside WNC’s new specialist supported accommodation service at St John’s House in Northampton.

During the day, guests will be supported at Hope’s day centre based in Oasis House, where they can access hot meals, showers, and personalised support aimed at tackling the root causes of homelessness. Once individuals are safe, warm, and rested, they can then begin to address challenges such as money management, addiction, or mental health. The ultimate aim is to help people move into long-term, stable housing, giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.

The Winter Shelter also supports WNC’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which is usually activated when the temperature is forecast to drop below 0°C for three consecutive nights or during extreme weather such as heavy snowfall or storms. During these periods, WNC’s outreach teams will be deployed across West Northants to identify and assist anyone at risk, ensuring they are aware of the overnight accommodation and support available.

“As temperatures drop, our priority is making sure no one in West Northants is left out in the cold. By partnering once again with the Northampton Hope Centre, we can offer a safe, warm place for people sleeping rough and ensure they receive meaningful support during the harshest months of the year.

“This is not just about providing a bed for the night, it’s about giving people stability, dignity, and a route into longer-term housing. The close work between the Winter Shelter, our outreach teams, and the new supported accommodation at St John’s House means we can help people begin to rebuild their lives with the right care around them.

“I want to thank the Hope Centre and all the volunteers and residents whose compassion continues to make a real difference. Together, we are helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community find safety, support, and hope.”

Cllr Charlie Hastie, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

“Winter can be a very difficult time for anyone sleeping rough. The shelter gives people warmth, dignity, and safety - but it’s also a gateway to hope. Thanks to the continued funding from West Northamptonshire Council, we can help people not only off the streets but towards a life where they have a home, stability, and the tools to move forward.

“The people of Northampton have always shown incredible kindness and generosity. Whether it’s volunteering for a few hours, donating a coat, or helping fund a night of shelter, every action helps save lives this winter and gives people a chance to start again.”

Joanne Pritchard, CEO of Northampton Hope Centre

The Hope Centre is appealing for donations of warm clothing and essential items including coats, hats, gloves, thermals, new socks and underwear, and toiletries. Financial donations are equally valuable and go directly towards running costs, security, and emergency essentials. Every donation, large or small, makes a real difference.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via The Hope Centre's website, or by getting in touch with the team at [email protected].