Accommodation Support

Since 2015, Light Project Peterborough have been active in running and sourcing accommodation. For some people who have been sleeping out so long, it can be difficult to cope with the day to day pressures of running a home or room. Have I got a cooker or a fridge? Is the gas and electric set up? When does my next rent bill need to be paid? For some it is even strange to sleep on a bed after being out in a tent or a sleeping bag under the stars.

An important part of our work is helping people progress into more permanent accommodation through action plans and multi-agency support. Working with partners on this referral and move on is a key part of making this project a success.

“Three years ago I found myself on the streets. My thirteen-year-old relationship had ended, my dad had died, I got made redundant and lost my accommodation. My friend contacted Light Project Peterborough on my behalf and since that day they have helped me no end. Stepping Stones has allowed me to meet a new group of people who are so lovely and friendly. It really brought me out of my shell and allowed me to be myself again.” – Kev

The Peterborough Night Shelter is an exciting project that was built off the back of the Peterborough Winter Night Shelter. The Peterborough Winter Night Shelter was an exciting initiative that due to the pandemic restrictions had to end early 2020. The Night Shelter is a project undertaken with local church communities. We currently have 4 independent single person units sited on 3 church sites. These units are open 7 days a week 365 days a year to give emergency accommodation for people sleeping on the streets. Our hope is to extend this provision on more sites across the city.

The project started at the beginning of 2022 and it has been great to play another part in enabling and equipping the local community to help those in need. Over the course of the first 6 months we helped 12 guests for 540 nights in total, who without us would have been out in the cold. Support includes food from local church volunteers, assistance to register with a GP, immigration support and securing ID, opening bank accounts, and linking people to job opportunities. Different to all other accommodation the project does not rely on the complexities of housing benefit for people to be looked after. The project is filling a real gap for those most on the edges of society and in desperate need.

“Before the Night Shelter, I felt hopeless and started to give up my faith in God. But as soon as I stayed in one of the cabins, the church made me feel welcomed and I was given opportunities to get involved and be a part of the community.”
Maria (Night Shelter guest)