We are now more than halfway through Lent and many of us will no doubt already be looking ahead to Easter. Before then, however, we continue to reflect on this year’s Lent Call theme of home and homelessness and remember this week the projects in Woolwich for which we are raising money.
The Robes project has been helping to provide shelter for people who are street homeless in Southwark and Lambeth since 2007. As well as its close connection to Southwark Cathedral, Robes has partnerships with 29 churches and community centres in the Diocese. Through these connections, it provides laundry facilities, advice, welfare and health support as well as a place to stay.
Wendy Thompson, a Robes trustee, says: “I think Robes helps the guests to feel at home because all are welcome. It is truly an inclusive environment.” Here, she talks about how Robes’ dedicated staff team and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
The other project in Woolwich which Lent Call is supporting this year is the Greenwich Winter Night Shelter (GWNS), which was established in 2014 to provide a safe, warm and judgement-free environment for people experiencing homelessness to be supported into more sustainable housing.
This year, GWNS is planning to move to one location, which can offer both single room accommodation and act as a day centre where guests can receive healthcare and specialist advice. The hope is that having a safe place to spend the day will offer more stability while guests are supported to into longer-term accommodation.
Katy Ridsdill-Smith, the Shelter’s Director, says: “At Greenwich Winter Night Shelter, we try to provide a home for people – even if that’s a temporary home.” Personal safety is a real issue for those who are street homeless, and Katy stresses that giving people a safe and secure place to stay is key. Here, she talks about how GWNS makes that possible.
How to help
During this coming week, please think and pray about the people of Woolwich, both those who are homeless or living in insecure accommodation and those who are working to help them. Download this week’s Project Sheet to find out more about the projects we are supporting and please consider giving to the Lent Call to help fund their work. You can find details of how to donate at: southwark.anglican.org/news-events/events/lent-call/how-to-give
We have created a series of Lenten Reflections based around the readings for each week. You can download these, and Worship Sheets aimed at those working with children and young people, from our Resources page: southwark.anglican.org/news-events/events/lent-call/resources
Whatever you feel you can do, please pray for God’s justice and equality for all, and remember all those who will be helped by the Bishop’s Lent Call projects this year, that they might find shelter, security and a place to call home. Thank you.
