The Croydon Together Shelter opened in January 2026.
Croydon Voluntary Action worked with Housing Justice and a steering group of local faith-based and community organisations to provide a communal night shelter in Croydon.
The Croydon Together Night Shelter had 18-20 people attending every night.
We have received some fantastic donations to the shelter from local donors, including from IKEA Croydon and HMRC.
The shelter ran until mid-April, providing a safe place to sleep, hot meals, showers and wrap-around strength-based support for up to 20 people experiencing homelessness.
Croydon Voluntary Action has worked on this shelter in collaboration with a range of community organisations, Housing Justice and Croydon Council.We are continuing to fundraise for this initiative, with the hope of replicating the night shelter again next winter.
Please donate to our community fundraiser. Donate here
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Celebrating the volunteers who helped run the night shelter
With the support of our wonderful volunteers, we were able to run Croydon Together Night Shelter. The night shelter supported local Croydon residents experiencing homelessness from January to April 2026.
Volunteers, like Helga, Sheila and Alice (pictured below), helped set up the shelter space and keep it clean, cooked, welcomed guests, made teas and coffees, socialised, and helped guests to set up their space.
Helga
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey, and also to have others become part of mine. It has truly been an honour and a privilege.
This experience has reminded me that difficult circumstances can happen to anyone. Life challenges, stress, and unexpected situations can change a person’s path, and that is why compassion, kindness, and community matter so much.
It has been inspiring to witness resilience - to see people continue to fight, rebuild, and keep moving forward despite challenges. It has also been inspiring to see a community come together every single day with support, care, and humanity.
I will carry these experiences with me, and I am deeply thankful for everything I have learned and for everyone I have met along the way."
Helga Marlene.
Sheila
"Regarding overall experience and feedback as a volunteer in Croydon Together Shelter was outstanding right from welcoming guests, activities, meals they enjoyed to bedtime due to the interactions to guests about service and support provided were appreciated whilst, the team demonstrated professionalism throughout the process.
As a Welcome Volunteer, communication, response and updates enable clarity and satisfaction. Overall, the experience was positive, appreciated by guests and commitment by the team."
Sheila Frimpong, pictured below.
Alice
Hear from Alice, one of our volunteers at the Croydon Together Night Shelter.