What is The Haven?

The Haven is our overnight drop-in space for homeless and vulnerable women in the centre of Cambridge. Open on Mondays and Thursdays (8pm-8am), the project offers hot food and drinks, a shower, clothes washing and a safe place to rest, staffed by an experienced support worker and security guard. We also open on a Friday morning (8-10.30am) to offer similar services with the support of other local organisations.

Why a Women Only Service?

Women make up the majority of the ‘hidden homeless’ population meaning their needs are overwhelmingly unmet in most homeless services nationally. Women’s needs are also much more complex and different to men’s.

National data shows that 1 in 5 women who have experienced violence become homeless, compared to just 1% of women who have not experienced violence. Being a victim of violence is a traumatic experience, and women can develop a range of support needs in addition to their homelessness.

One woman expressed how “coming here is the highlight of my week”.

A welcome mat in the doorway of the lounge at the Haven
A white, moulded fire surround against a lilac wall. Three framed posters of coloured abstract designs are above the mantlepiece
A comfortable old armchair with two large cushion sits under a floral painting on a cream wall. To the right is a three seat, black sofa with two cherry coloured cushions. A small bookcase in the background and an open door to the far right
A white, moulded fire surround against a lilac wall. Three framed posters of coloured abstract designs are above the mantlepiece. In front of the fireplace is an old, comfortable armchair. To the right is a table, draped with a white tablecloth. A small TV set sits on top.
Two presents on a brown leather sofa at the Haven

Read Our Latest Haven Report

Haven Case Studies

  • ‘F’ Story

    ‘F’ was living a very volatile street-based lifestyle, and her heavy drinking was having a severe impact on her health. As she began to engage with the service [...]

  • ‘C’ Story

    ‘C’ has been on and off rough sleeping in a tucked away site in the city for nearly two years and has struggled with poor mental health. As [...]

  • ‘B’ Story

    ‘B’ has been rough sleeping in the city for much of the last four years, only intermittently accepting accommodation offers and then often abandoning accommodation within a short [...]