14/10/2025
It is with sadness that we announce that the Durham Winter Night Shelter will not be opening for the upcoming 25/26 winter season. Due to a number of factors, including a changing policy landscape for working with rough sleepers in Durham City, the shelter is no longer able to fulfill its original purpose of providing emergency accommodation for anyone who found themselves street homeless during the winter months.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered last year to help run the shelter - you guys are wonderful! Since opening in 2018, hundreds of volunteers have given up sleep and contributed their talents to enable the project to run. Countless local churches, charities and businesses have given us support to keep our doors open in the coldest nights. We are proud to say that volunteer capacity or declining local support has not been a factor in this decision. We are so grateful to every individual who has supported the shelter over the years - without this support we would not have been able to do all that we have done!
We would signpost individuals seeking support to access the help provided at Sanctuary 21 (Saddler Street) or the council services (www.homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/service/durham-county-council-housing-solutions/).
With love,
The DWNS team
Homeless England is the most comprehensive database of Homelessness services. You can search by location or type of service to find services in your area.
