King's Lynn Winter Night Shelter’s expansion given green light
The expansion of a winter night shelter in Lynn has been given the go-ahead following a formal investment from West Norfolk Council.
King’s Lynn Winter Night Shelter (KLWNS), which is a partnership between churches, charities andagencies, is set to move into the Purfleet Trust when the building is empty in autumn.
The project aims to provide a safe, warm place overnight for West Norfolk’s homeless population, running seven nights a week from November to March.
But the shelter needs to triple its volunteer count to comfortably serve those in need.
KLWNS chairman Kevan Crane said the service needs £92,000 to pay staff, rent and utilities as well as upping their volunteer count from 40 to 120.
He said: “It has been so encouraging to receive such strong support from local churches, the borough council and mayor`s charity, partner organisations and the community.
“Together we are able to meet such an important need in offering a safe shelter
for the street homeless in
our town.”
West Norfolk Council has contributed £25,000 towards the shelter and borough mayor Nick Daubney made it one of his chosen charities of the year.
KLWNS development worker, Andrew Frere-Smith said: “We would love to see homeless people, and especially the rough sleepers, being more effectively cared for.
“We are really grateful to the borough council for their support and the Purfleet Trust.
“It is our hope that soon King’s Lynn will be a town where no one has to sleep rough on the streets. I believe that with the support of the community we can make it happen.”
KLWNS is currently advertising for an all year round, full-time night shelter coordinator.
A spokesman said: “The night shelterco-ordinator will work closely with a volunteer team to ensure the smooth running of the King’s Lynn Winter Night Shelter and support for its guests. The post will be for 16 hours per week with a pay rate of £13.00 per hour.
“For more information, visit www.purfleettrust.org.uk/kings-lynn-winter-night-shelter/or email office@kingslynnminster.org for an application pack.
