CENS is a 16-bed night shelter for people in the Colchester and surrounding areas. But we provide more than just a place for people to sleep. We offer support, guidance and a safe place for people to turn their lives around. If anyone finds themselves homeless in Colchester we can help. Call us on 01206 549885. We will then do our best to get a bed secured at the shelter for them that evening.
What stops a homeless person getting a bed the same day?
Due to the demand of spaces and the background checks we sometimes need to do; it may not always be possible to get a bed the same day. However, that is always our aim as we understand the desperation of being homeless.
What checks do you do and how does that help?
To ensure CENS is the right place for anyone who is homeless, we may need to speak to other agencies involved. That could be a probation officer, outreach team from the local authority, mental health worker, previous landlord, or housing officer from the council.
New referrals must pass a risk-assessment before they will be offered a bed at CENS. This is to keep everyone safe and ensure that we can meet the needs of the people we have here. If someone is refused a place, we always make sure they are informed of all the other options for them.
How do we help someone find a home in Colchester?
Residents work closely with support workers to plan how they can find more secure accommodation. This will include identifying any support needs they have and making referrals to agencies who can help. Support workers will also act as an advocate for ensuring they get the assistance they are eligible for from the local authority. CENS has links with letting agents that will rent to those on a low income so support workers make referrals and arrange viewings.
We also have a four-bedroom house next door to the main shelter. This is for residents who are ready for more independent living but still need support from time to time. We offer six months at an affordable rent so that they can look for work and start saving for a private rent.
