Hackney Night Shelter provides emergency accommodation and support to individuals experiencing street homelessness. Over the last financial year, we had 197 people come through our doors, each with a different story and 140 finding their own longer-term accommodation as a result. The Sleep Out is a brilliant opportunity to connect with other supporters, volunteers and our neighbours, to raise vital funds to keep our shelters open. Our main 20-bed shelter is the heart of Victoria Park Village, and it really does take a village!

On Friday October 25th we will be sleeping out in the grounds of St John of Jerusalem Church in Victoria Park Village. It would be a great opportunity to come together and sleep out for 1 night and raise some money so that 26 people don't have to 365 days of the year!

We expect 50 people to take part, gathering together in the evening for soup, a little live folk music and to hear some reflections from previous guests who experienced rough sleeping. In the morning we'll pack up our sleeping bags and head indoors for a cooked breakfast. The Sleep Out is in no way meant to replicate what it is like to sleep rough but instead to raise awareness about, and funds for our work. It will be very safe and we will have small comforts like the toilets and food provided.

Everyone who sleeps out will get a Hackney Night Shelter hooded top - yours to keep. We do ask that each person aims to raise at least £250 and we can help with ideas for how to maximise your fundraising and reach your target. To help with covering the cost of running the event, there is a £20 registration fee payable when you book your place.

Community fundraising events like the Sleep Out are essential for keeping our doors open and provide a route out of homelessness. We receive no government funding and rely on the support of the community, individuals and charitable grants.