Related blogs
Content linked below doesn't necessarily represent the views of the Jesus Army
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London: Welcome Project
The story of Elle, a visitor to the Welcome ProjectPublished: 4th May 2018Two months ago, Elle* came to the Welcome Project. After the death of a close relative, she fell into a state of depression and lost her job in the catering industry, where she had trained as a professional chef. Eventually, after months of living from her savings (since she didn't believe in receiving any state assistance), Elle found herself homeless.
We interviewed Elle and conducted an assessment to find out exactly how we could support her. During this process Elle shared many details about her life and aspirations, which showed how resourceful she is.
Now, the day we met her, in November, was a week prior to the opening of the homeless winter shelters which meant that even if we could...
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London: Project 'Road Map'
Crisis support for people at risk of rough sleeping.Published: 18th Apr 2018What if you suddenly found yourself stuck in the city, with nowhere to live and nothing but a suitcase?
Here’s the story of Laura*, a 23 year-old woman who we helped though our “Road Map” project.
“When I came to the Centre I had not slept for two days. I had suddenly found myself homeless and was in too much shock and shame to work out what the sensible thing to do was. I had already paid all the money I had to move into a property - but it wasn’t available for another week. In the mean time I had been riding on bus routes endlessly and trying to look normal despite my enormous suitcases. I realise that people in London can be homeless for many years, but I’m sad to... Comments Read more on the London Jesus Centre site » -
London: A piece of cake
A story of practical kindness in actionPublished: 10th Apr 2018'Solace' is the free monthly lunch event, held at the London Jesus Centre for refugees and asylum seekers. It's a place where people can find practical help, a listening ear, emotional support and referrals to other services.
Katka, a volunteer that helps out at 'Solace', recently had an idea: to make birthday cakes for the children that attend. As a mother, she could understand how difficult it can be to not be able to celebrate your child's birthday like you might want to.
Not that long after, a mum came in to see the support worker, and because it was half term, brought her son who was five years old that day. In the morning she didn’t have a present for him so she told him that it would be...
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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...
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London: The Paradox of Poverty
Jon-Jon Hilton reflects on the work of the London Jesus Centre.Published: 8th Dec 2017
FOR almost a decade, the Jesus Centre has delivered services and support for thousands of homeless and vulnerably housed people in London. Typically, we encounter those who find themselves trapped in an all too familiar paradox: alone in one of the busiest cities in the world and poor in one of the wealthiest places on earth.
On an average day, we will work with up to 50 people who sleep out on the streets of Westminster. Some are seeking asylum from war-torn countries, others refuge from broken homes. Some have banked on jobs that never materialised and others have sold their dreams to feed an addiction they could not defeat. Everyone is trying to survive.
At first glance, most of what we do looks and feels...
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