The Hackney Winter Night Shelter will open its doors tonight to provide food and beds to homeless people for the 25th year in a row.
Open for five months each year, November to March, the shelter provides dinner, bedding and breakfast for dozens in Hackney who would otherwise be on the streets.
It would stay open for longer but as it relies solely on donations and the work of volunteers it cannot afford to do so.
With just two members of full-time staff, HWNS relies on volunteers. Seven hundred people offer their assistance each winter but there’s always a need for further help.
Before Christmas, the shelter runs seven days a week but changes venue every night. After Christmas, two shelters run each night so more people can be taken in.
To donate, visit hwns.org.uk.
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