Church community unites to support Bournemouth’s homeless

Homeless people in Bournemouth have received support throughout the winter months from the Church community.

Several organisations in the local area have coordinated to ensure that people have access to support during every night of the week.

Churches such as Lansdowne, City Gate and the Winton Salvation Army Corps offer free hot meals, a chance to meet other people and shelter from the bad weather.

The community centre, café and charity shop in Winton have helped to create a system that sets homeless people on a path towards accommodation and employment.

Major Claire Hill, the Corps’ Leader said that those in need are offered both physical and emotional help.

She said: “We always sit down with them if they come in during the week…It opens up a conversation as to why they have become homeless and if there is any practical help we can give them.”

Showers, baths and footcare have also been made available to those who need relief from being outside in the winter.

The church has also provided sleeping bags, blankets and fresh clothes to help homeless people combat the harsh weather.

Making sure that homeless people are protected from the weather is something that The Salvation Army has taken very seriously.

Major Hill said: “It’s important for their health. Getting wet every night and staying in wet clothes is not good for the health.”

 

The Corps lead also said that she thinks that more awareness needs to be raised about what it is like to be homeless and that impact of the unfair stereotypes the people are often labelled with.

“[There needs to be] An awareness that they’re people and they’re valued. It’s sometimes no fault of their own that they’re homeless.” She said.

The Salvation Army relies on the hard work of volunteers and clothes donations from the local community.

“We haven’t got a big pot of money…[but] we can help by being that first port of call for many people.” said Major Hill.

As the harsh weather and rainy conditions continue to create challenges for homeless people, local organisations will continue to help those who need it the most.