When we talk about homelessness, we usually mean anyone who does not have a permanent address, whether they are sofa surfing, rough sleeping, or in council-provided temporary accommodation. Last year, it was estimated that around 180,000 people were homeless in London, that’s one in fifty Londoners. Yet, God’s heart is for the vulnerable and those struggling with hardship, as we see time and time again throughout the Bible. Across the Diocese of Southwark, churches are tangibly sharing God’s love with those experiencing homelessness through a variety of different methods. For many, winter night shelters are a practical way which they can demonstrate God’s hospitality, others continue through food provision, signposting and support. These services are invaluable with churches often running support initiatives on limited resources.
For Holy Trinity Clapham, Luke 4:16-21 is a source of inspiration and motivation to come alongside those experiencing homelessness. In the ‘Nazareth Manifesto’ as it has come to be known, Jesus launches his ministry with the declaration that He ‘brings good news to the poor.’ These famous verses inspire the team at Holy Trinity Clapham (HTC) as they try to put the church’s displaced and struggling neighbours at the centre of their operations. Every Tuesday morning, HTC hosts a Breakfast Club for around 150 homeless and vulnerable people. Everyone is offered a week’s supply of fruit and vegetables, sourced fresh from the big London markets. Then there is a long, rolling breakfast that provides food, warmth and community, staffed by a strong team of volunteers. Last year, Breakfast Club served up 18,800 eggs! Bible studies in English and Spanish run throughout the morning. Guests can also access advice on issues from housing problems and benefits issues to debt, addiction, and domestic abuse. HTC also provides grants for immediate problems: money for a new bed or fridge, for example, or financing for a course or license needed for a new job. Guests are encouraged to come to all the other HTC events during the week, including Wednesday Communion and lunch, mid-week courses from Bible studies to relationship advice and bereavement support, as well as all the Sunday services. Once a month there is a focus on the over-65s with a special lunch offering food, activities, fun and community. HTC is in the process of a major renovation project which is aimed at being able to improve and expand all these activities – and to help more people in Lambeth know the love Jesus.
For Christ Church Southwark, their history as a church which is dedicated to building community amongst the marginalised helps to inspire them. Christ Church was founded as an industrial mission church, as can be seen in the beautiful and striking stained glass images of the work and worship of ordinary people and local trades which can be found in the church. Today, it serves the local community by offering a place of hospitality and connection to individuals who are experiencing homelessness within their parish. Every Thursday, Christ Church runs Pilgrims’ Rest, which is a welcoming hub which brings together agencies and organisations to support those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and to offer welcome to refugees. The space hosts St. Mungos alongside other organisations, partners from the NHS, ESOL classes, salon hairdressing sessions, whilst also providing food. This model stemmed from the knowledge that support for those experiencing homelessness can be disjointed and that agencies are often looking for spaces to meet with clients. Pilgrims’ Rest aims to provide a space that individuals experiencing hardship want to be, offering a genuine welcome and space to build relationships and be at ease. At the same time, it also aims to provide a space where organisations can easily communicate with one another. By partnering with external organisations in this way, the church feels that it can play to its strengths in offering hospitality and welcome, and be confident in knowing that individuals can access expert advice and support from professionals.
In April, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Team held their joint Homeless Support Gathering with Diocese of London at St. Marks Kennington. This Annual event brings churches and Christian organisations who work to serve and support the homeless together for a time of learning, networking, encouragement and prayer.
Our excellent speakers were Lisa Moodie CEO of Robes who spoke on Trauma- what it is and why it is common in those experiencing homelessness. The second speaker was Pam Orchard, CEO Trauma of the Connection at St. Martins on The value of relationships in trauma response, & the role of volunteers. The theme of trauma is particularly important as according to Oasis Community Housing, 94% of people facing homelessness have experienced trauma, with 2 in 3 reporting either four or more traumas or trauma over a prolonged period. Both gave much food for thought and were very informative. The gathering is hoped to encourage those from volunteers to programme or organisation leadership. In the
An attendee shared ‘thank you so much for organising such a transformative, insightful, and inspiring event! From the praise-filled song to the powerful testimonies and the warm welcome, it truly left a lasting impact on me.’ Another shared ‘a well spent morning for me, learning about the importance of holistically working with and supporting people facing homelessness. Found the trauma approaching interesting and insightful with useful ways to apply them.’
If you would like to find out more about how your church could support the homeless in your parish or to share some of the great work already taking place please contact Nicole McKeever, our Development Officer for Social Action: [email protected]
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Team
Sources:
