While millions across the UK prepare to celebrate the arrival of 2026, Kar, a mother of two, will be embarking on a very different kind of night. At 9pm on December 31st, she will leave her family to begin a 10-hour overnight shift at a homeless shelter in London, run by the charity Crisis.
A Personal Mission to Pay Kindness Forward
This marks the fifth year in a row that Kar has chosen to volunteer for the Crisis at Christmas hotel programme, which provides free temporary accommodation for people facing homelessness during the festive period. Her motivation is deeply personal. Kar recalls a challenging time in her own life when, as a young university student, she had a surprise pregnancy.
"I could have easily ended up on benefits, waiting for housing for years," she explains. "But I didn't, I was incredibly fortunate" thanks to the support of her family. That experience inspired a desire to help others who hadn't had the same safety net. After attending an information session, she picked up her first volunteer shift with Crisis in December 2006 and has been helping ever since, alongside her day job as an IT consultant.
The Calm and Connection of the Night Shift
Kar's shift runs from 10pm until 8:30am, seeing in the New Year with guests and fellow volunteers. Contrary to assumptions that night duties might be risky or hard to fill, Kar says she always feels safe, citing procedures like never volunteering alone, constant supervision, and the use of walkie-talkies.
"The night shifts are more relevant for why I volunteer — to build connections with people," she says. The quieter pace allows for meaningful conversations that can be "really powerful." She notes that guests who are anxious or struggling often linger near the tea points, seeking human contact. "If you've been in a really difficult situation, to be valued and have your opinion heard... can make such a difference," Kar adds.
From Festivities to Future Steps
The focus on New Year's Eve is subtly different from the festive activities of Christmas Day. While ensuring guests are well-rested, volunteers also work to prepare them for life after the temporary hotels close. "After Christmas, it's time for us to go, 'ok what's the next step for you,'" Kar explains. This involves helping to secure appointments and essential support.
She recalls one guest who was cheerful over Christmas but grew withdrawn as the New Year approached, worried about the future. The night team ensured he was awake for an appointment, after which he felt "a bit stronger." Kar continues volunteering because "all kinds of things happen to people." She hopes that if her own child were ever in need, someone would offer the same simple kindness of making tea and listening. "Our guests are someone's child, and I can help," she states.
The Impact on Guests: Eddie's Story
The work of volunteers like Kar has a profound effect. Eddie, 35, stayed at a Crisis hotel in 2024 after 10 months of sleeping rough in London due to poor mental health and job loss. He described the peace of the shelter as transformative: "I used to sleep during the days, and walk around for miles at nighttime when I was rough sleeping."
"I didn't know there were so many people willing to help, especially on January 1 and Christmas Day," Eddie said. Following his stay, a case worker found him temporary accommodation. A year later, he has secured a permanent job at a train depot and a stable private rental. His story underscores a growing crisis: latest figures show 13,000 people were seen sleeping rough in London from April 2024 to March 2025, nearly four times higher than 15 years ago.
For Kar, volunteering on New Year's Eve is "a really nice way to open the year," a small act that helps her feel positive moving forward. As London's streets grow colder, her commitment offers a vital glimmer of warmth and hope.
