Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter (MCWS) first opened it’s doors in December 2013, with the aim of supporting the many homeless people in need of shelter in our town over the coldest winter months. At that time, leading homelessness charity, Porchlight, warned of an almost 50% rise in rough sleeping in Kent.
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There are many factors behind homelessness including unemployment, national austerity, family and relationship breakdowns, mental or physical illness, addiction and/or substance misuse, migration, poverty and debt, the struggle to return to independence after prison or care & acute shortages of affordable housing. The list of reasons is endless.
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Also, a minority of people refuse help and some drop in and out of support. Others, especially migrants, have no recourse to public funds and are especially isolated.
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Since day one we have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from our local churches, our many volunteers (both secular and non secular) and our funders/donors. Without this support, we would not have been able to open our doors each winter and we are incredibly thankful for all the kindness and generosity we have received, and continue to receive, which enables us to welcome our guests each year.
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WINTER 2025-26
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For the coming winter we will be opening our doors on the afternoon of Monday 5th January 2026 and closing on the morning of Tuesday 31st March 2026. Over this period we will be offering:
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Overnight Accommodation
for people who are homeless in Maidstone but cannot be supported by Maidstone Borough Council, especially at short notice, or for those people with no recourse to public funds.
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Meals & Hospitality
Afternoons - We will offer hot drinks & snacks from a warm venue, and also register guests for evening meals/overnight accommodation as required.
Evenings - we will hot meals, hospitality and support plus some social interaction between guests, volunteers and staff in the form of games nights, film nights etc.
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​Support/Signposting
At each of our sessions, guests will be given the opportunity to talk about any concerns they may have and to obtain advice and support as needed. Our staff and volunteers will use their skills and knowledge to offer appropriate support, signposting guests to other agencies where relevant, for example with medical advice, addictions, counselling etc.
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HELP OUT TO EAT OUT
Homeless charities warn that, across the UK, the number of rough sleepers could increase significantly due to the current global economic crisis.
Alongside the distress and discomfort of being homeless, the experience can also be isolating.
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Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter liaises closely with Maidstone Borough Council Homeless Support Team each winter, to ensure help is available for people in need.
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Our priorities continue to be the provision of shelter, meals, hospitality and support (including signposting to other services where appropriate; for example, housing, counselling, benefits etc).
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If you wish to help, donations can be made by clicking on the 'Donate' button below. £10 pays for a meal, hot drinks and snacks for one or more of our guests during the winter.
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The Winter Shelter makes a big difference to the lives of people who, in circumstances often beyond their control, find themselves homeless.
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According to Crisis, the true number of rough sleepers is far greater than those reported and, if nothing changes, its own research predicts considerable increases in numbers of street homeless over the coming years. Homelessness includes those people who are sofa surfing or sleeping in tents, cars, trains and buses.
Whilst homelessness continues in Maidstone, Kent, Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter will be there to provide help and support.
Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter is accredited with a Quality Mark Assessment from Housing Justice.
We are also a member of Homeless Link.
