The project, Crossways, is in its third year. Over the colder months, it ensures that people who would otherwise be on the streets can find warmth, comfort, and dignity, and start a journey out of homelessness.
Guests have their own en-suite bedrooms, full support is provided working in partnership with a wide range of statutory, commissioned and voluntary agencies, and 24/7 security keeps everyone safe.
Carter Jonas' team is now leading the search for suitable accommodation, available from October 2025 for rough sleepers. An ideal property would provide permanent winter access, with 15-20 en-suite bedrooms and have shared kitchen and living areas and office space.
Appropriate accommodation will have alternative uses between April - September. Seasonal or annual rents for leasehold or freehold properties within two miles of Cambridge city centre will be considered, and partnership proposals are welcomed. A parallel fund-raising exercise will also enable the purchase of a suitable property, using a blend of donations, grants, loans and social investment.
Lucy Atkins, Associate, Commercial, Carter Jonas Cambridge, said: "It may seem unusual, planning for the winter months whilst we're all looking towards spring, but the need to secure appropriate accommodation is such that we are ensuring as much time as possible to find the best space for this vital cause.
"Crossways plays such an important role, helping to support some of the most disadvantaged in our community - highlighted by the fact that even now, its current winter emergency accommodation project continues to operate near capacity. As part of our search, we are also considering properties capable of being enhanced and extended to meet the requirement and urge anyone who might have something fitting the bill to get in touch."
Chris Jenkin BEM, Chair, It Takes a City, said: “No one wants to sleep rough, and in one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, no-one should need to. We are working with a number of partners to do more to end rough sleeping in Cambridge and the “Crossways” winter support project is a key step in the right direction.”
