thedoor
www.oxford.anglican.org
March 2017 no 289
A year with Bishop Steven: Page 7
A church for the deaf: pages 8 and 9
On the money: Urban Ministry: page 11
Kate’s story of surviving cancer: page 16
Bridging the gap for the homeless
by Jo Duckles CHURCHES are stepping in to bridge the gap as Government austerity measures are forcing more people out of their homes and onto the streets. In Oxfordshire alone around 130 beds will be lost as Simon House in Oxford and Julian Housing in Abingdon close. To highlight the increasing problem, the Revd Canon Dr Andrew Bunch, the Vicar of St Giles, organised a homelessness trail following a service on Homelessness Sunday in January. “Around 40 people visited 16 places that are used by the homeless. It was a good way of raising awareness of the issues that the homeless have to face.” During the trail an opportunity was provided for participants to talk with people who are coping with being homeless in Oxford. A Thursday lunchtime event at St Giles offered Oxford people the chance to hear about what it is like to be homeless by someone who was homeless but is now one of the staff of the Gatehouse – a drop-in centre for the homeless. “The big problem we have got at the Gatehouse is a funding gap. Expenditure was £140,000 a year last year, but income was £120,000. The deficit is due to an increase in wage bills and a fall in donations,” said Andrew. “What I’m really worried about is the impact of Government cuts and loss of beds at Simon House and Julian Housing.” The Gatehouse is open in the St Giles’ Parish Rooms during late afternoons and early evenings on every day except Saturday. It offers tea, sandwiches and an opportunity to meet in a safe environment. During the winter, hot soup is also offered. It also runs a clothing bank
Photo: Shutterstock.
for the homeless as well as internet access and books and newspapers.
Public meeting In Newbury, a public meeting was due to take place as the March edition of the Door was going to press, calling for more shelter for rough sleepers and opportunities to help them into work. Loose Ends is a drop-in centre which provides meals, clothing and advice five days a week, run by volunteers. Pam Hayden, a member of Newbury Baptist Church, runs Loose Ends.
She said: “We run entirely on donations. We do a lot but there is so much more that could be done.” A new soup kitchen, funded by the Salvation Army, was recently started by Meryl Praill, who also volunteers at the Newbury foodbank. The new soup kitchen opens on Thursdays, when Loose Ends is closed. Meryl said: “We have only been going three weeks. The food bank is providing the food and Waitrose is donating bread.” Meryl said that official figures show that there are
around 15 rough sleepers in Newbury, but that does not take into account those who are sofa surfing or sleeping in hostels and who don’t have their own home.
Increase in homelessness In High Wycombe, the Wycombe Homeless Connection, which started as a winter night shelter run by churches, has seen an increase in the number of people using its services. Continued on page two...