As winter approaches many churches are thinking about carol singing and Christmas fairs and which charities they would like to support with their fundraising.
There are many charities who work with homeless people in the winter months, but Church Housing Trust’s support for some of the most vulnerable people continues throughout the year and includes women’s refuges, projects for young people, ex-Service personnel, specialist housing for people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems, and projects for-ex offenders. Over 80 hostels, supporting over 3,500 people, are located in many areas of England including several projects in London, such as King George’s and Queen Mary’s hostels in Westminster, and Livingstone House in Willesden which provide a home for vulnerable people, many of whom were street homeless and in bad physical and/or mental health. Many are also suffering from addictions and they are often socially isolated with little or no contact with their families.
Church Housing Trust’s funding provides more than just a welcome pack for a new arrival at a hostel. It can contribute towards training in skills that will help someone get a job, or learn vital life-skills such as cooking and budgeting. Funding is used for outings and therapeutic activities, training and counselling, and, when someone is ready to move on from the hostel, for household items for their resettlement back into the community.
The festive season can be a lonely and depressing time for homeless people with no friends or family with whom to celebrate, and funds are used to provide a Christmas meal and a small gift for each resident, helping to make Christmas a special time for hostel residents.
Church Housing Trust has always had a close link with the Church of England and we could not carry on our work without the loyal support of churches and individual Christians.
Church Housing Trust supports some of England’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people, helping them get their lives back on track and reintegrate into mainstream society. It is only through the generosity of our supporters that we are able to fund these activities. Please consider us when you are planning your charitable giving this Christmas.
Church Housing Trust, PO Box 50296, London EC1P 1WF
T: 020 7269 1630 / E: info (Email: info [at] churchhousingtrust.org.uk) / www.churchhousingtrust.org.uk.
