Corby homeless shelter finally set to open tomorrow

In order for the shelter to open hostel operators, East Northants Community Services (ENCS), will employ staff to cover the overnight shifts.

Jo Burns, operations manager for ENCS said: "We are very pleased to be housing individuals from Wednesday, January 22 onwards.

"We appreciate that this took longer than anticipated and want to thank those that have supported us, those who have come forward since Christmas to volunteer their time and the staff for working incredibly hard to get to this point.

"There is a wonderful community in Corby who provide a huge amount of support for vulnerable individuals and we are really excited to be a part of that.

"In order to open on January 22, we have had to make the decision, following some feedback from our staff, the council and the community, to employ overnight staff.

"This will be on a temporary basis whilst we identify individuals who are able to do this overnight shift, as we understand that this has been the case in previous years.”

Open all year, the 16-bed accommodation has been designed to provide a 'warm, friendly, safe, non-judgemental environment to promote and support growth in individuals’ self-esteem, confidence and aspirations'.

A number of individuals have already been assessed by Corby Council’s outreach worker, Martin Sawers, and it is anticipated that the accommodation will be fully occupied by the end of January.

Corby Council’s lead member for neighbourhood and housing, Cllr Bob Eyles, said: "We are extremely pleased that the shelter will open its doors to give rough sleepers some much needed warmth and comfort, particularly as temperatures drop.

"Thank you to ENCS for their hard work in getting us to this point and to the volunteers who have come forward to help run a much-needed service within the community."

To volunteer, if you would like to make a donation for Corby project or have another way you might be able to support, them please get in touch by emailing [email protected].