After their successful pilot last year, West Yorkshire Destitute Asylum Network (WYDAN) will open another winter shelter in Leeds from mid-December.
Last year, churches were among the different organisations who took it in turns to become a week-long night shelter for the homeless. You just need to have space for up to ten beds and a group of people who can provide a warm, safe and welcoming environment for the guests. The 'shelter' is delivered on a Monday morning and guests arrive at 6pm and leave at 8am every day for a week. Full training and support is provided.
Services for the homeless are under more pressure than ever. As destitute asylum seekers are at the bottom of the list, it can be particularly hard to find night shelter for them. Last year WYDAN recruited 13 host organisations with over 400 volunteers and provided 417 nights of accommodation.
They also need:
Volunteers – to offer a welcome, donate food or bedding, cook, or to stay with the guests overnight.
Financial contributions - if you're able to help, please send a cheque (payable to WYDAN) to WYDAN Ebor Court Westgate LEEDS LS1 4ND
Visit www.wydan.org for further information (and the report from last year’s shelter) or email wydan.shelter@gmail.com.