Number Five night shelter in York Road is modernising and enhancing its service so rough sleepers can get the help they need to turn their lives around.

The night shelter has been a much valued resource in Guildford for 30 years, fully supported by churches, local organisations and the community at large. However, over the years the needs of rough sleepers have changed and the operation of the shelter needed to adapt to be able to continue to support people effectively. 

Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council and the Trustees of Number Five have worked together to bring about change and are pleased that Riverside have agreed to operate the new Hub service.  

Riverside, a national charitable housing association, manages other supported housing services in the town including Vaughan House and Guildford’s HOST service, providing outreach support to end street homelessness.

Ketan Patel, Riverside’s Area Manager, said: “The night shelter has played an instrumental role in helping Guildford’s homeless for many years and we are honoured to be taking on the operation of the service.   

“We would like to reassure everyone that the provision of emergency accommodation for rough sleepers will continue but the service will be enhanced by opening 24-hours day, round the clock client support and provision of onsite specialist workers to help people get back on their feet.

“We hope the community will embrace our new Hub and continue to support Guildford’s rough sleepers as usual.”

Angela Goodwin, Lead Councillor for Homelessness, Housing, Access and Disability said: “The Council has worked in partnership with local charity Guildford Number Five Project since the early days, providing their first home in Bedford Road and the current premises at York Road. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Trustees for their diligent work over the past 30 years. Our Housing Advice Service has secured funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the development of the rough sleeper Hub and looks forward to working with Riverside to implement our plans for the new service.

“The new style Hub service will begin on 1^st April 2020 and we look forward to sharing more information when COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.”