Basildon Emergency Night Shelters offer friendly, welcoming and safe spaces for people experiencing homelessness and strives to make them as comfortable as possible. The project is volunteer led, with 60-70+ volunteers who staff evening and morning shifts.

BENS is a grassroots initiative of Churches Together in Basildon, delivered by ACE Impact CIC, their simple yet vital mission is to offer warmth, safety and support to people experiencing homelessness across the Basildon area.

Each night one shelter operates from a different church hall, with 5 churches generously offering their spaces. BENS provides 12 “dormitory-style” bed spaces operates strictly as a ‘dry’ night shelter.

Each night, light food and refreshments are offered, with shower facilities in some locations. However, BENS’ focus is more than basic accommodation. Although it does not have staff capacity for casework, it does ensure that guests are signposted to relevant local support agencies; access to medical support is also offered through staff from Laindon Medical Centre attendance. The stability this provides has a positive effect on physical and mental wellbeing that is often eroded by rough sleeping, and allows our guests to be better equipped to move on into accommodation and/or secure employment.

The guests who use BENS come from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, with ages typically ranging from 18-60, although the oldest guest they have had was 73. Most guests are male, who are often needing assistance after the breakdown of a relationship. Recently, the cost of living crisis has increased financial pressures among guests, one guest of BENS is employed but remains homeless. Within recent years, BENS has seen an increase in complex and challenging cases with those experiencing homelessness.

The volunteers and staff at Basildon Emergency Night Shelters continue to serve those most in need in the Basildon area, offering stability, welcome and a warm place to sleep.

If you wish to donate to support the work of Basildon Emergency Night Shelters, visit their Just Giving fundraising page.

If you would like to find out more about their work, visit their page on our website.