Purpose
At the centre of what we do, is having a full understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness. With our team of highly trained and experienced staff, we support people, not only with a warm bed and hot meals, but with the vital support needed to lead an independent life and move on from our sites, into permanent, independent accommodation.
Haven First History
1990 – Stevenage Housing Support group (with Chris Foster as Chairman) start up to raise awareness and address the issues of homeless in the area, with support from local church groups.
1992 – The Winter Haven was opened in the Glebe, providing a night shelter for a period of 3 months. Social Services and the Police would refer homeless people to the volunteers running the shelter.
1995 – The Winter Haven relocated to “The Lodge” in Frobisher Drive, Stevenage.
1996 – Three years of funding was secured from Crisis under the national “Open Door scheme” allowing the shelter to remain open throughout the year.
1997 – Stevenage Haven is created and registered as a UK charity.
2001 – Core funding increased through initiative known as, “Supporting People”. The charity moved to a property on Ditchmore Lane which had been newly refurbished by Stevenage Borough Council. The new home was opened by the Mayor and known as Chris Foster House.
2005 – With the support of the local council, Stevenage Haven began to increase access to suitable “move on” properties to allow our residents somewhere to move on in their journey to independent living.
2014 – Success in securing the tender to manage the North Herts Sanctuary in Hitchin. We are still responsible for this now and work closely with the trustees of Helping Herts Homeless (formerly North Herts Sanctuary) who are responsible for management and upkeep of the building.
2015 – Development of the brand-new purpose built 40 bed shelter was completed and we moved into our new home (also on Ditchmore Lane). This building has allowed us to develop our day services and increase the number of people we are able to support.
2021 – In February 2021 we received the green light from NHDC in regards to the planning permission for our new 40-bed purpose built hostel in Letchworth Garden City.
2022 – Haven First joined One YMCA. In order for us to continue to develop our crucial services for local homeless people Haven First joined One YMCA.
