Union Chapel 'margins' homelessness projects.
Night Shelter
Islington Churches Cold Weather Shelter helps over 100 people each Winter. Union Chapel was a founder member of the first Islington night shelter project in 1996. Seven churches open one night a week each for the 13 weeks between January 1st and March 31st. 12-15 clients who would otherwise have slept outside in the open, instead get a supper, shelter, a mattress on the floor and breakfast the following morning. We receive referrals on a mobile phone from Shelterline, other day centres and other nightshelter schemes.
There are a number of similar church-run schemes in London. Ours is ecumenical, with Roman Catholic, Congregational and Anglican members. The scheme is run by a voluntary committee and we employ and manage a paid co-ordinator.
WEDDING OF THE YEAR: Bridget & Paul Doolan got engaged while in our Cold Weather Shelter and the volunteers threw a wedding-dress, invitations, church service, photographer, reception, food, music, honeymoon in Brighton. It was fantastic. One of the clients was best man, and Alastair gave away the bride. Bridget and Paul have kept in touch; they were willing to move anywhere as they had very little chance of being rehoused in London, and moved into a house near Manchester in May. Union Chapel was the only venue where they were offered a double bed!
Last revised date: 04/07/2005
