A new homeless shelter has helped scores of rough sleepers escape freezing temperatures overnight.
The Salvation Army opened the Eastbourne night shelter at its Langney Road citadel in November, in a new partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council.
The council has a duty to house rough sleepers overnight when temperatures drop below zero. Before the shelter opened, it did this through emergency nightly accommodation through private landlords or hotels.
As well as being expensive, this meant people were placed in locations scattered across Eastbourne, limiting their access to support services and follow-up care.
The new night shelter has access to essential amenities such as hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities and is linked to council support and advice services.
Since it was set up, 47 rough sleepers have accessed the shelter – many of them for more than one night – during the nine times the severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) has been activated, covering more than 30 nights.
Several have since been helped into permanent accommodation by the council.
Councillor Peter Diplock, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Salvation Army’s outstanding work in providing a lifeline for rough sleepers on bitterly cold nights.
“Their efforts have gone above and beyond our expectations. They have not only provided a safe haven for those experiencing homelessness but have also offered invaluable support in partnership with other organisations helping individuals access accommodation, mental health services, and other essential resources.
“We are committed to addressing homelessness in Eastbourne, providing effective support to those in need and I am pleased this partnership is extending the help we give to some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Major Ralph Walker, commanding officer of Eastbourne Salvation Army, said: “At Eastbourne Salvation Army, our mission has always been to serve with love, dignity, and unwavering support for those in need. Since the introduction of SWEP Night Shelter, we have been privileged to play a key role in reaching the most vulnerable rough sleepers in our community.
“Our work goes far beyond simply providing a warm place to sleep. We are deeply committed to walking alongside individuals on their journey, offering practical support in securing accommodation, connecting them with so many services, and helping them navigate the path to stability and independence.
“Every person who walks through our doors is met with compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to help them build a brighter future.
“The success of our efforts is only possible through the collaboration of dedicated volunteers and working very closely with Eastbourne Borough Council.
“Together, we are breaking down barriers, offering hope where it is needed most, and ensuring that no one in our town is left behind.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve, and we remain committed to going above and beyond—because every person matters, and every life is worth restoring.”
