Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) brings hope and support to single people in the borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, who are facing homelessness or housing crisis.

We currently offer:

• A drop-in service, providing advice and referrals to local accommodation such as the YMCA Surbiton. 
• Temporary housing in our 'Access Proejct' for up to 42 single people who are ineligible for council housing.
• Tailor-made support plan for each tenant.
• Essential supplies for people who are sleeping rough, such as sleeping bags, clothing, backpacks and food.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have housed and supported more 120 people who would otherwise have been sleeping rough. We have faciliitated more than 24 successful 'move-ons' into more appropriate accommodation.

KCAH's Access Project tenants are offered ongoing support with benefit claims and life skills such as budgeting and every tenant has a tailor-made Support Plan. Each tenant has their own locked bedroom and the use of shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Some properties also have a common lounge and a garden.

From September 2018 we ran an annual Winter Night Shelter for anyone in need, offering a simple meal, community, advice and somewhere safe to rest. 25-30 people came to stay every night, people who would otherwise not have any other choice but to sleep outside. This coming winter all UK night shelters, including The Haven, will not be allowed to reopen due to a government directive to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

From January to March 2020 we ran a morning centre, the Pathway, offering a warm space for people sleeping rough to shelter from 7:30am until 11:00am. Before the pandemic struck, our Job Club ran on Tuesday afternoons to help our clients find work.

We are now in the process of setting up a 'stabilisation centre' to provide housing and support for those rough sleepers with problematic issues around drugs and alcohol.