Winter Newsletter 2023

Welcome to our latest Newsletter and thank you for supporting our work.

After the late warm spells we are now heading into wintry weather – and once again the Winter Night Shelter is open and will be helping people to stay off the streets and move forward. Contrary to some politicians – we know rough sleeping (with or without a tent) is no ‘lifestyle choice’ and the work of HAB and the Night Shelter volunteers is helping to save lives.

Some big news you may be aware of – TiB Night Shelter will be merging into HAB within the next few months. This means the Winter Night Shelter will become a HAB led project – but in practical terms arrangements will stay the same. Both HAB and TiB support the change – we see it as logical, more efficient and better for clients (and the Night Shelter guests) that the two Barnet homeless charities should work as one!

The numbers of people contacting HAB for support remains high and the cost of living crisis continues to push more people to the edge of coping and beyond. A major problem is the lack of ‘move-on’ options for those we help into supported accommodation. There is a ‘perfect storm’ of high rents in the private rented sector and a drastic lack of social housing, and many people are caught in this trap. We do not lose heart – HAB and the dedicated team of staff and volunteers will continue to offer support and hope to those in our community in desperate need. Your continued support is vital in helping us – thank you! You will see details of our Winter Appeal and we have an ongoing need for donations of clothing and other supplies – updated regularly on our social media messages.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Seasons Greetings from everyone at HAB.

Finally – thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy the read!