About Us
A Church of England parish situated in the London Borough of Redbridge, we serve not just our own congregations but the whole of our vibrant and diverse community. With strong links with people of other - or no - faiths and traditions in Wanstead and beyond, our friendship and solidarity with everyone in our local area is heartfelt. Everyone‘s welcome irrespective of race, age, gender, physical ability or sexual orientation.
Our project
During the first wave of coronavirus in London approximately 4200 rough sleepers were housed in temporary accommodation, but many more remained unhoused. During this second lockdown, more people are set to lose their jobs and homes.
Last winter we ran a night shelter in our church halls under the umbrella of Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter who cover Waltham Forest and Redbridge. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on shared air space we cannot run a night shelter in our church hall, however the need for emergency accommodation for those experiencing homelessness is greater than ever.
This winter, in partnership with FCENS, we plan to provide emergency accommodation through a hotel partnership, funding 15 individual bed spaces per night to run from November through to the end of March 2021. If we exceed our initial target of £3,500, the extra funds would enable the shelter to stay open past March and well into Spring. The video from SHP above shows perfectly how it would work.
Each en-suite room will cost £25 per guest per night, £5 of which will be funded by the local authority. As well as a safe place to stay we will also be providing guests with:
- Meal service (hot dinner, breakfast and lunch), brought to their rooms
- Professional support from an on-site caseworker who will help re-house them and give them support with whatever needs they have (e.g. register with doctors, legal advice, dependency support, mental health).
- Independence - guests will have their own room key and, unlike traditional shelters, will be able to stay in the security and warmth of their room all day if they choose.
- On-site night support
- A befriending support programme with our volunteers
We are also seeking to help fund a key worker who will continue the caseworker's excellent work to find longer lasting solutions for our guests, offering them a real chance to get off the streets permanently.
Whatever amount you can give, large or small, your donation could save - and change - the life of someone who is homeless and on our streets this winter, vulnerable not just to hunger and the elements, but also to Covid.
Thank you.