Local homeless charity volunteer reaches 25 years of service

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

MONDAY 30^th MARCH 2026

Helping Herts Homeless, a homeless sanctuary, has paid tribute to its long‑serving Treasurer, Peter Warren, who has stepped down after an extraordinary 25 years of continuous service to the charity and its mission to support people experiencing homelessness across Hertfordshire.

Peter first became involved in 1999, when the charity, then known as The North Herts Sanctuary, was seeking a new treasurer. Initially approached through his wife Christine, who suggested he might be interested, Peter took on the role believing it would require only a couple of hours a week. As the charity grew, so did the responsibilities, and Peter soon joined the Board of Trustees.

At the time he joined, the Sanctuary operated as a volunteer‑run winter night shelter, providing beds for more than 17 individuals and meals for many more. Under Peter’s guidance, the charity evolved into a year‑round operation.

A major turning point came in 2006, when Peter and the Trustees made the strategic decision to purchase the Sanctuary building, supported by loans from charitable lenders. These loans were fully repaid in 2016, securing long‑term stability and enabling future plans for redevelopment of the site. This foresight means the charity today owns the property outright.

Alongside fellow Trustees and a dedicated team of fundraisers, Peter helped raise thousands of pounds each year to support frontline homelessness services and to provide grants to partner organisations across the county. In 2022, he supported the decision to change the charity’s name to Helping Herts Homeless, reflecting its wider mission and county‑wide reach.

As he steps down from his formal role after 25 years, the Trustees have invited Peter to become the charity’s Honorary Lifetime President in recognition of his outstanding service.

Local MP Alistair Strathern wrote to Warren personally to mark his quarter-century of volunteering.

Local Hitchin MP, Alistair Strathern said:

“Peter’s dedication has shaped this charity for a quarter of a century. His work has greatly strengthened this fantastic organisation.

“He has helped countless individuals experiencing homelessness.

“I am really grateful for everything he has done.”