Our Resource Centre
For decades, Crawley Open House has strived to support those suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or other forms of social exclusion.
Located opposite the hostel, the Resource Centre is a free drop-in facility that is open every weekday. Anyone can pop in for a hot drink and a bite to eat in a safe, welcoming environment.
Visitors can take a shower and do laundry and we have clothes, footwear, bedding and toiletries that we give to those in need.
Advice, health and resettlement professionals use the centre as a base to meet clients, as do local agencies such as the NHS, probation, mental health teams, Change Grow Live (CGL) recovery workers and Crawley Borough Council housing officers.
The Resource Centre runs free employability and life skills classes to help people build the confidence and experience they need to get back into education, training and work. Courses include the CSCS qualification for the construction industry, English language courses and barista training. There are also classes in cooking, bicycle maintenance and music.
Opening Hours
Open access, drop-in support available between 10am and 12:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Appointments can be made for support between 1pm and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Classes and workshops available after 1pm, Monday to Friday. Spaces must be booked in advance.
Contact the Resource Centre to ask about support and classes on 01293 447704.
For more information about the Resource Centre, contact Emily Hunter, Head of Day Services, on 01293 447708 or email us below.
Service User's Story
Alex's Story
One of our former residents, Alex shares his story. Once homeless, experiencing poor mental health and separated from his children, Alex says staff at Crawley Open House helped him turn his life around. Together with Crawley Borough Council, we supported Alex when he moved into his own flat a few years ago. Since then, Alex’s flat has not only become his safe, secure home, but also the place where he can spend quality time with his children.
“Crawley Open House supported me through some of the hardest times in my life. Eight years ago, I was living on my niece's sofa. I then found a room to rent, but I got evicted and eventually I found Crawley Open House and moved into the hostel.
After staying in the hostel for a few months, I moved into one of Crawley Open House's move-on houses and I stayed there for a year. The staff were trying to find me a studio flat, but I found them too claustrophobic and knew I wouldn't have enough space for my children to visit. Instead, they helped me get onto the council housing list, supported me with bidding on properties and came with me to viewings. Eventually I was offered my own council flat in 2022, where I still live now.
The staff also stood by me through family court while I was fighting to gain full access to see my children. They travelled with me to court in London every single day until it was all over. In the end, I was able to regain full access. I have six children and now I'm able to see all of them and spend as much time with them as I can.
They also helped me access therapy for my mental health, especially after losing my son. Therapy helped me understand my emotions better and gave me the support I needed during a really difficult time.
Thanks to the support from Crawley Open House, I feel like I got my life back.
They helped me get back on my feet, gave me hope when I needed it most and I'll always be grateful for everything they've done for me.”