In May, the King's Lynn Night Shelter decided to close for the summer months this year to focus on fundraising after a difficult year in which cash reserves had fallen to the point that it was no longer possible to continue operations.
Thanks to grants from several organisations, including the Anne French Memorial Trust administered by the Bishop of Norwich, and a further three-year grant from the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, alongside local community fundraising, the charity is now able to reopen this autumn, providing emergency supported accommodation for any adult in West Norfolk experiencing homelessness.
Lucy McKitterick, Night Shelter Director, said: “We are so grateful to the individuals and organisations whose generosity and hard work over the last few months has made the future of the Night Shelter possible again. The Night Shelter is an essential service in our community: between October last year and the day we closed on 1st July, 67 people came to stay with us, all of whom had nowhere else safe to stay. They were the first to tell us that we need to do everything we could to make sure we reopened this autumn, not just for the accommodation and practical help we provide, but also because the Night Shelter is a place which matters to them, where they tell us they felt welcome, safe, and able to talk about what has happened in their past and look forward to the future with hope. I’ve been told several times by former guests in the last few weeks that if they win the lottery they’ll be sure to give it to us – and they meant it.
"This week’s news is an answer to prayer, as well as a witness to the commitment and hope of a great many people, and the kindness of everyone who has donated to our work. It is good news, but it isn’t the end of our fundraising – we will need to continue working hard over the next year to build up our reserves so that the Night Shelter’s future remains assured. We warmly welcome community support, and we look forward meanwhile to a great year ahead.”
Nick Coleman, Chair of Trustees, said: “I am delighted that the Trustees have been able to make this decision. It is in no small thanks to the hard work of all those involved in raising the necessary sums to enable us to reopen and continue our great work helping those in our community who require assistance. The Trustees thank the Director and all those who work with her, the staff, the volunteers and those who donate so generously.”
The Night Shelter will be open to the public for Heritage Open Day this year on Sunday September 13, offering a chance to look around St John’s House and find out more about what we do before we reopen to our guests. We’ll also be holding a sponsored Sleep Out for the Night Shelter on the night of Friday September 25, at King’s Lynn Minster with the Bishop of Lynn – all welcome (over 18s only) – for details on how to get involved, contact us director@klnightshelter.org.uk.
The Night Shelter welcomes guests by referral or self-referral and provides 24/7 accommodation for up to 3 months, alongside support to address the factors which have contributed to our guests’ homelessness and help them find sustainable longer-term accommodation. The Charity receives no local or national Government funding.
Contact details for further enquiries: Lucy McKitterick (Director) by email director@klnightshelter.org.uk
www.klnightshelter.org.uk
Facebook @klnightshelter
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