The WNSMK began as a response to urgent need when, during the severe winter of 2010, Milton Keynes Council became aware of a number of homeless people sleeping in bin stores and such places in central Milton Keynes, despite freezing temperatures and thick snow on the ground.

At the time the YMCA was the only viable option for many, and with their beds full a new solution was needed. A conference brought together people from various interested agencies to discuss the issue, and the concept of the Winter Night Shelter MK was born.

What We Do:

Rebuilding Lives

We support the homeless, vulnerable and those with mental health struggles in Milton Keynes by providing:

• temporary emergency accommodation (November–March)
• a dedicated welfare team providing year-round support
• access to showers and washing/drying facilities
• links to support agencies
• advice and support to find permanent accommodation
• pathways to employment.

During the winter months our guests are invited to arrive at our friendly reception café from 5.30pm, seven days a week. They will be welcomed by our welfare team and have time to settle in, sort and store their belongings, have hot drinks and a meal, and relax.

Around 8.30pm guests will be transported to an overnight venue. There they will be greeted by a team of trained volunteers who provide company and support, opportunities to relax and play games, and a warm bed for the night. In the morning guests are provided with hot drinks, a snack and transported back to the reception café for breakfast.

Unity Park Station (formerly the Old Bus Station) on Elder Gate now provides a year-round base for our welfare team and hosts an array of essential support services from partner organisations, including:

• legal and housing advice
• on-site addiction support
• access to food and clothing aid
• assistance obtaining ID and accessing bank accounts
• help with accommodation and employment applications
• life skills and employment skills training
• homelessness prevention initiatives.

Ultimately, we help our guests into more settled accommodation and support them to rebuild their lives. This might be through working with the Council, referrals to partners such as the YMCA, Bus Shelter MK or Emmaus, private accommodation and housing schemes.

We have a number of former guests who say they owe their lives to the Winter Night Shelter, and some have returned to volunteer to help others.