The best present of all this Christmas? Somewhere safe to stay

For those of us fortunate to have a roof over our heads and family and friends to share our down time with, Christmas really is the season of goodwill and togetherness.

But for others who have no safe space to lay their heads, Christmas amplifies feelings of loneliness and desperation, writes Sammy Jones.
It’s a sad fact that while we hunt for that ‘must have’ Christmas gift, there are others in our community whose greatest wish is to find somewhere to rest without fear.

Here in Milton Keynes, UnityMK is working hard to be the change for good.
The charity, launched back in 2010 and until late 2023 known as the Winter Night Shelter, has a simple vision – to end homelessness in the new city, working to support those who are already in the grip of homelessness, or those at risk of becoming homeless.

But societal issues have led to a worsening situation, and with rising numbers of people struggling with the issues that can lead to homelessness, UnityMK has responded by delivering welfare services that are operational all year round.
As numbers of people accessing the services rise, how do staff and volunteers maintain a positive outlook?
“Our guests may be experiencing extremely challenging circumstances in their lives, but we get to be a place where everyone is welcome,” said the charity’s CEO, Emma Johnson.

“Our team has the privilege to listen as guests share some of their journey, to show empathy, to show we care. Our aim is that they feel seen and provided with support.

“Sometimes the team can feel overwhelmed when they see the increasing number of newly homeless guests or sometimes the complexity of help needed. But as a team we celebrate every small step forward. Anyone who has spent time in our centre will know that, more often than not, you will leave feeling uplifted.”

UnityMK works hard to make the difference for its users, but the charity is itself in need – times are tough, and when society struggles, the impact is felt by support networks too: “It is becoming increasingly challenging for charities like ours in the current climate,” Emma admitted, “Our services are in high demand due to the cost-of-living crisis, and we face increased running costs and challenges in securing grant funding. We are very grateful for the support of our local community and it’s more vital than ever.”

Running out of Unity Park Station, or ‘the old bus station’ to many, the Welfare Team is on hand to assist with practical help like food and clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries and they can help to find long term solutions.

During this most challenging time of year, the charity can also source emergency accommodation in local venues for those otherwise facing rough sleeping.

There is still an element of society that shows no empathy, and believes the issue of homelessness is brought about by the individuals in need. How do you answer those people?

“Some of our guests do have substance dependencies, often as the result of childhood trauma,” Emma acknowledged, “But many of those who come to our centre have become homeless due to relationship breakdowns and an increasing number come who have never been homeless before. The increasing cost of living, a sudden redundancy, health issue or eviction from a rented property can cause people to just be a step away from being homeless.

“It really could happen to any of us, at any time, particularly in light of the current economic climate. The stereotypical views of homelessness are often outdated, and there will be people we all know who are struggling financially and worrying they could be at risk of homelessness in the future.”

On any given week, Unity MK welcomes around 200 guests who access its services at the aforementioned Unity Park Station, and volunteers to ensure the smooth running are always welcomed.

“Throughout the winter months, we have a range of roles in our welfare centre and our circuit night shelters, which operate on different nights in multiple venues across Milton Keynes.”

And how is the next 12 months shaping up for UnityMK?
“Immediately, we are focusing on getting our night shelters up and running and fully staffed with volunteers – ensuring we can provide up to 15 beds each night for people who would otherwise be facing nights out on the streets.

“Our daily welfare service will also continue to operate from our centre at Unity Park Station, providing practical access to hot food, showers, laundry services, etc., as well as supporting our guests to access accommodation and employment pathways.

“We also plan to continue our renovation of a building in Wolverton that, once ready, will focus on both preventative work and providing ‘the next step’ for guests we have already supported into accommodation.”

Emma has a message for anyone who might need to call on UnityMK: “Our services are open to anyone—you don’t need to be experiencing homelessness to access our support,” she told Pulse, “The sooner you approach us for help, the more options we have available to support you.”

To learn more about the charity and its mission, and to see how you could support its work by donating, visit unitymk.org

If you are interested in fundraising for the charity, drop an email to fundraising@unitymk.org

In figures
3036 meals were served during the winter season of 2023/24
420 volunteers support the charity throughout the year
1581 beds were made during the 2023/24 winter season

One man’s story…
‘I first came to UnityMK around four years ago after being evicted from my home,” John* told us, “Since then, I have been in and out of accommodation. I have sometimes had challenges accessing official help, and UnityMK has supported me when I often felt I had nowhere else to turn.”

Losing your home and being forced onto the streets is a terrifying thought, but what is it like to find that a reality?
“It’s scary, frightening, and dangerous,” John said, “It is very difficult to find somewhere to stay, and you constantly worry about things like where your next meal is coming from and if you will be moved on.”

What did UnityMK do for you?
‘UnityMK saved my life. They took me off the streets and gave me a bed in their night shelter service more than once. As well as their direct welfare support, they also referred me to partner organisations, like ARC who continue to help me in my recovery from addiction difficulties.
“I still have challenges in my life, and UnityMK has continued to support me throughout.”

John says that UnityMK’s support was unwavering when he most needed help, and he is now reciprocating, by donating his time to the charity.

“I wanted to give back, so for the last few years, I have also been a volunteer with UnityMK, which I really enjoy. I am often found manning reception, organising laundry, or helping to run the food bank service.”

As a community, why should we support their work?
‘It’s the only place I know of locally that is a one-stop shop of support for anyone who needs it,” John added, “They help with accommodation, finances, hot meals, showers, clothing, sleeping bags… the list goes on and on.”

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual