Our charity began in the winter of 2010 as a response to the urgent need of several homeless people sleeping rough in central Milton Keynes, despite freezing temperatures and thick snow on the ground. At the time the YMCA was the only viable option for many, and, with their beds full, a new solution was needed.
A conference brought together people from various interested agencies to discuss the issue, and the concept of the Winter Night Shelter Milton Keynes was born. Over the years our role has grown and changed, and we introduced welfare services that run all year round following an increased need locally for advice and support around the issues that can lead to homelessness.
Our team offers emotional and practical help to ensure we give guests the opportunity to stop the cycle of homelessness. Due to no longer ‘just’ being a night shelter, in November 2023 we rebranded to become UnityMK.
Our Vision is to end homelessness in Milton Keynes.
Our Mission is to support those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness by:
Providing emergency accommodation during the coldest months of the year
Helping those who are homeless or vulnerably housed into longer term accommodation
Giving opportunities to access welfare support, employment, education, and counselling, to enable people to sustain their homes