From January to April 2026, Croydon Voluntary Action worked alongside Housing Justice, Croydon Council, and a steering group of local faith and community organisations to deliver the Croydon Together Night Shelter.

The shelter provided a safe, welcoming place for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. Each night, between 18 and 20 guests accessed a warm bed, hot meals, shower facilities and person-centred support designed to help them build on their strengths and take positive steps towards longer-term stability.

The project was made possible through the collective efforts of local organisations, volunteers, funders and donors. We were particularly grateful for the generous support received from local businesses and organisations, including IKEA Croydon and HMRC, whose contributions helped create a comfortable and dignified environment for our guests.

Over the course of four months, the shelter demonstrated the power of partnership working in responding to homelessness within our borough. By bringing together statutory services, voluntary organisations and local communities, we were able to provide practical support, connection and hope to some of Croydon's most vulnerable residents.

Following the successful conclusion of the shelter in April 2026, we are now fundraising and planning for its return next winter, with the aim of once again providing vital emergency accommodation and support to people experiencing homelessness in Croydon.

Please donate to our community fundraiser. Donate here

 

Celebrating the volunteers who helped run the night shelter

It was only thanks to the support of our wonderful volunteers that we were able to run Croydon Together Night Shelter. 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. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up 

 

Alice

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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The experience was outstanding. Right from welcoming guests, delivering activities, meals to bedtime, I enjoyed the interaction with guests. The service and support provided were appreciated and 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 given commitment by the team."

Sheila Frimpong