Dear DENS supporter,
Last year saw an unprecedented demand for our services at DENS – highlighting the growing challenges faced by local people experiencing crisis.
Thanks to your donations, fundraising efforts and support of our cause, we could provide vital help when it was needed most.
5 eye-opening statistics from 2025
- 127,923 meals were provided by our Foodbank.
- 72 individuals experiencing homelessness engaged positively with our Outreach service.
- There were 3,379 stays at our emergency overnight accommodation – a 21% increase from 2025.
- 35 residents at our hostel made a positive move into more independent accommodation.
- 32 clients secured employment – a 33% increase compared to the previous year.
Thank you for spreading the word
We are grateful to everyone who liked and shared our recent social media posts on the free emergency accommodation available for rough sleepers during the extremely cold weather.
Because of this support, over a period of eight days, 31 individuals were able to access our emergency bed spaces, alongside 44 clients staying safely in our hostel. The engagement of our supporters genuinely helps people find safety on nights that could otherwise be life‑threatening.
Your gift of £25 will give someone a chance to feel safe and secure this winter
With more freezing weather on the horizon and demand for our services at an all-time high, we need your support.
Alongside a hot meal and a warm bed for the night, we help people experiencing homelessness begin their journey towards safer, more stable accommodation.
Please donate now to our Winter Appeal
Tables selling fast
Our hugely popular Quiz Night returns on Friday 20th March to the Hemel Hempstead School! Team up with friends and family, bring along drinks and snacks, and experience a fabulous evening of trivia and entertainment.
We expect this event to sell out well in advance, so please book soon to avoid disappointment.
Volunteering opportunities
Could you spare some time on a weekly or monthly basis to help local people in need?
We’re taking applications for a range of new volunteering roles, from sorting donations in our Foodbank, to assisting at our Day Centre, to selling clothes on Vinted!
Make A Will Month is back
Did you know that less than half of UK adults don’t have a valid Will in place? Our Make a Will Month scheme in March makes it easy to get that important job done, or update your existing Will, and you’ll be supporting DENS instead of paying solicitor fees.
Limited appointments with our participating solicitors are now available. Book early to guarantee your slot.
Exclusive discount for the Hemel Hempstead 10k
Hemel’s only fully closed-road 10k running event, taking place on Sunday 17th May, is proudly supporting DENS.
By choosing to run for us, you can access a discounted registration fee – and our first 50 runners will also receive an exclusive running t-shirt!
Our Foodbank needs your donations
Stock is running low for many items that go into our Foodbank’s emergency parcels, including:
- Tinned ham/corned beef
- Tinned fruit
- Cooking sauces
- Nappies size 5, 6, 7, 8
- Laundry liquid/tabs/powder
Please share this information or donate what you can to help local families and individuals experiencing food poverty.
