Related blogs
Content linked below doesn't necessarily represent the views of the Jesus Army
homelessness
-
A winter wonderland?
The recent snow was exciting for many of us, but what about if you're homeless? Julia Faire writes about a recent day at the Coventry Jesus Centre.Published: 20th Dec 2017
Waking up to a world covered in a blanket of white never loses its magic. It’s Sunday morning, 7:30am, not even light yet but I’m out there, wellies on, snow falling on my face and a crisp, three inch layer underfoot. The usually busy street is quiet and the park is covered in untouched snow.
In the semi-darkness, I hear a distant cough. A man is rising from ‘his bed’ in the corner of the park - perhaps not enjoying the snowy morning as much as me.
It's 9:15am on Monday and the doors are opening at the Coventry Jesus Centre. What would we do without our donation of blankets? We especially love the multi-coloured, lovingly-knitted ones from some of our older donors. Simon, who works here, has put...
Comments Read more » -
Seven Stories of Forgotten People
Julia Faire puts us in the shoes of seven visitors to the Coventry Jesus Centre.Published: 29th Apr 2013
THESE ARE hard times for the poor. Not many would argue with that. UK Government austerity measures have meant that increasing numbers of people are unable to make ends meet. Food banks are busier than ever (according to an article in the Guardian, three open every week) and recent headlines reveal that child poverty is again on the increase. Over 6 million people are unemployed or underemployed and benefits and the minimum wage rates are falling well behind that of inflation. Key charities are struggling financially, leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens badly in need of support.
At Coventry Jesus Centre ‘The Bridge’ drop-in is open five mornings a week: free breakfasts, showers and clothes are provided and... Comments Read more » -
Seeing me helping there has given them hope
Client becomes volunteer at Jesus CentrePublished: 24th Sep 2007
Once a client at the Coventry Jesus Centre, John Walker is now a helper there. He is interviewed by Fiona Liston.
FIONA: How would you describe yourself a year ago?
JOHN: I had a job, but in the evenings was going out selling drugs. I was living with my fiancee and baby daughter. We were going to get married, but when she found out I was dealing, that was the end of the relationship.
Why did you come to the Jesus Centre?
Someone at the 'Cyrenians' told me that it was a place to get a cheap breakfast. I was homeless at the time so I went along. I thought it would be like the Oliver Twist scenario, but people were surprisingly friendly. I was amazed...
Comments Read more » -
No more 'pass the parcel'
After fourteen different children's homes, there wasn't much Dave Corbett didn't know about survival.Published: 9th Sep 2006"I WAS put in care at the age of three," explains Dave, now 24.
"If someone had been honest with me as a child and explained why I was in care, I might have been OK. But I was adult before I was told Dad was violent towards Mum. She was struggling with alcoholism and five other children. I was the youngest. So I went into care. Unanswered questions created so much pain inside. I rebelled against every type of authority."
Because of his behaviour, Dave was transferred from one home to another, like 'pass the parcel'. At twelve, he ran away, stealing clothes off washing lines and robbing shops to survive. The following year he did it again. Staff said they'd had enough and screwed down the...
Comments Read more »