Jesus Army: London Jesus Centre

Baz was our very first visitor when we opened. He came every day for several weeks and we helped him contact housing associations and fill in forms. He was able to receive mail at the Centre's address and use the phone, and we supported him through the trying delays until he got a place. We did not see him again after that, so we did ourselves out of a Job.

Betty came to the Bridge drop-in with nowhere to stay having come from USA and Jamaica where she originated from. We were able to get her a place to stay with members of the Jesus Fellowship and let her use the phone a lot. She soon found work and her own place and then came in to clean for us in return.

Ali is Indian. He was living rough and in empty houses, mostly with a friend who also came to us. A gentle guy, we watched him go in and out of hospital with an inflamed pancreas and urged him to stop drinking spirits. He would leave clothes here for safe keeping, do laundry, use the shower and get clothes. He would help us with errands and bring other friends in. Recently he got work, cut back on his drinking and found more stable accommodation. Progress!

Billy was cheery and likable. He would bring young friends along, use the PC, generally joke about. He came on our outing and was keen to help us out too. He got some work. We kitted him out with two suits and sent him with a letter to the Salvation Army who gave him good shoes as well. He came along to church and got support in working through his outstanding court case. He did get sent down but we are keeping in touch.

George was on regular injections for mental health problems and using heroin and he could become a bit difficult at times. He was banned early on for a short period of time but afterwards we got on well. We have been able to support him by encouraging him to get his jabs, eat properly and look after himself. He does washing here and gets fresh clothes from our store. We have become part of his support Network.

Bill is 62 years old. Brought up in children's homes and then moving from one building site to another whilst working, he has never had a home in his life. Together with CAN we are encouraging and supporting him to leave the streets and take on his very first home.

Bev had been for counselling and felt very insecure. She came into the Jesus Centre asking for prayer. Afterwards she felt a lot better.

Jane, a single mum and a volunteer at the Jesus Centre, has come off benefits and gone back to work having built up her confidence through working a shift with us and taking advantage of the CLAIT Course.

Alex, Craig, Dave and Ricky are all homeless. They come to the Jesus Centre regularly. At first they were withdrawn, but bit by bit they have opened up and become chatty and friendly. They consider the Centre as their drop-in.

Becky had just been discharged from a psychiatric unit. Her grandparents were arriving from Holland in two days time to take her home with them. Because she wasn't looking for permanent accommodation the other agencies couldn't help her. We were able to offer her two nights board and lodging, free of charge in one of the Jesus Fellowship's community houses.