London: Urgent Appeal for Homeless Shelter Volunteers UPDATE

Rough sleepers in Oxford Street on 23/11/22 Image ICN/JS

UPDATE

This shelter is relocating to the much larger Westminster Cathedral Hall from tonight, 13 December, until 20 December. Volunteers are being asked to help with the hours of 6pm - 8am. There are also four hour shifts available from 6pm-10pm. The email address is centrallondoncatholicchurches@gmail.com

There was a 24 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping on the streets of London between June and September this year according to Shelter. More than 140 homeless people died in the capitol last year.

In response to the icy weather conditions forecast for the next few weeks - which can be deadly for anyone sleeping outdoors - volunteers at Farm Street Church in Mayfair are opening an emergency night shelter, starting from Monday, 12 December.

The parish already offer hot meals for the homeless on Wednesdays and Saturdays - this Saturday they served lunch, provided by the Connaught Hotel, to 43 guests. The services of a barber were also available.

The new night shelter, opening in the Arrupe Hall on Monday evening, will be able to accommodate up to 15 overnight guests on mattresses in the hall - with a light evening meal and breakfast. There will be a screened-off area for women guests. Westminster Council will be providing overnight security.

UPDATE

This shelter is relocating to the much larger Westminster Cathedral Hall from tonight, 13 December, until 20 December. Volunteers are being asked to help with the hours of 6pm - 8am. There are also four hour shifts available from 6pm-10pm. The email address is centrallondoncatholicchurches@gmail.com