THE organisers of the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter are appealing
for more than 200 volunteers to help by offering overnight shelter,
beds, food, and warmth to the homeless during the coming cold
weather. They will be asked to work in three shifts: 6-10 p.m., 10
p.m.-6 a.m., and 6-9 a.m.
The project, which will be open from 5
December to 3 March, was started last year with seven host
churches, each church covering one night a week. It proved such a
success that it has won an award of £10,000 from Suffolk County
Council, which will go towards the funding for the project this
year.
That was very good news, the Bishop of
St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, the Rt Revd Nigel
Stock, said. "Last year demonstrated the clear need and importance
of the project for the community. . . [it] needs considerable
planning, and much has been learnt from last year." He said that it
was an excellent cause, which all the churches could join in
supporting with prayer and practical help.
As before, says the Minister for
Church and Community Engagement, Canon Paul Daltry (right, with
some of his team), the homeless people will be received as
guests by one of the seven host churches. They "will be able to
clean and freshen up, enjoy a hot nourishing meal, spend an evening
in a warm and safe place, share time in friendly company, sleep in
a clean and comfortable bed, and receive breakfast in the morning
before they depart for the day".
He says that his team will also work
with other agencies in the town to encourage the guests to get help
and advice, if possible to find longer-term accommodation, regain
self-esteem and dignity, "and return to society as an equal".
Besides volunteers, those running the project are also seeking
bedding for single beds, toiletries, and new underwear and socks,
as well as good secondhand clothes for the homeless people who will
be coming.
www.iwns.org.uk