Winter shelter to open in Northampton for rough sleepers

Warmth and support available for those sleeping rough

Author: Nichola Hunter-WarburtonPublished 2nd Jan 2026

A winter shelter will open in Northampton from January to March 2026, offering a warm, safe place for people sleeping rough during freezing weather.

The project is funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and delivered by Northampton Hope Centre to make sure no one is left out in the cold.

The shelter will be located at the Holy Sepulchre Community Rooms on Church Lane, next to the church. Guests will have a secure space to sleep, hot drinks, and professional security staff on site overnight.

During the day, guests can visit Hope’s day centre at Oasis House for hot meals, showers, and tailored support with issues like money management, addiction, and mental health.

Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: The goal is to reduce rough sleeping as much as possible.

''The idea is to deliver a safe, warm overnight space for people sleeping rough during the coldest months.''

The shelter also supports WNC’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which activates when temperatures drop below 0°C for three nights or during extreme weather.

Outreach teams will be out across West Northamptonshire to make sure anyone at risk knows help is available.

For more information, visit West Northamptonshire Council’s website