Watford homelessness-charity explains how to help people sleeping rough in the town

New Hope is supporting people experiencing homelessness, poverty, addictions and social exclusion this Christmas.

For more than 35 years, the charity has been helping people rebuild their lives with dignity, care and practical support.

Rebecca Palmer, Fundraising and Communications Manager, explains how the Watford community can help people facing homelessness or sleeping rough this winter: “New Hope relies on the generosity of our local community to keep our vital services running. This Christmas, we are asking people to please donate to our annual fundraising appeal, Home for Christmas, to help fund the work of the Haven. The Haven is our centre on Whippendell Road which provides a place that’s safe, dry, warm and full of love – away from the freezing temperatures and the lonely streets. To donate to Home for Christmas, please go to newhope.org.uk/hope.“

New Hope asked some of the people accessing the Haven what they thought about Christmas:

“It’s like watching the world celebrate and you’re not invited,” said Danny, who has been rough sleeping on and off for five years. “I used to love Christmas. Now I have no home and don’t see my family, I hate it” he said.

Linda described how lonely and harsh the season of “goodwill” can feel. “It’s the emptiness. Everyone’s with family and friends. I watch them, excited, laughing, shopping like crazy - I don’t envy them; I just want somewhere safe, dry and warm to sit for an hour.”

For people like Jamal, support from the Haven can be life-saving. “I hardly ate for three days last December. I didn’t know where to go until someone told me about the Haven. They welcomed me. They fed me, gave me a shower, gave me gloves, and treated me like a real person.”

People sleeping rough often feel outcast to the fringes of society and struggle to survive when every door seems closed. But the work of New Hope - and the generosity of volunteers and donors - can open doors and shine light into the darkest of places.

Mark said: “When you’re homeless you feel invisible. People look the other way, or cross the street to avoid you. But the volunteers at the Haven don’t look the other way. They see you and they talk to you like you’re human, like you matter. That keeps you going.”

Danny echoed that sentiment: “I don’t expect a miracle, but when someone hands you a hot drink, looks you in the eye, and asks if you’re OK - well, that makes you feel good and gives you hope for a better tomorrow.”

The charity also runs the Watford Winter Shelter, in conjunction with Watford Borough Council. The shelter is running every night from mid-November to mid-March, ensuring no one has to sleep rough on the streets of Watford this winter. New Hope also runs a year-round emergency accommodation service and a street outreach programme, ensuring that anyone sleeping rough in the town is offered support.

Rebecca Palmer continued: “We are also asking people to buy Christmas presents for people living in New Hope accommodation along with essential winter items, such as flasks for hot drinks, jogging bottoms and hoodies. This is such a challenging time of year for people in our town who are facing homelessness, hunger and hardship but New Hope is here to offer shelter, security, food and practical support. But we need the support of our local community and we are so grateful for everyone’s kindness and generosity! All the details of how and what to give are on our special Christmas webpage, newhope.org.uk/christmas2025.”