Homeless Sunday

It is Homelessness Sunday on 1st February 2009 and Poverty Action Sunday on 8th February 2009.  These are two very relevant dates for KCAH and it is wonderful that some churches are already preparing to support KCAH and the work that we do as part of the theme for those two Sundays.  KCAH welcomes all the support that you can give us! We want to spread the message that there is a significant homelessness issue (even though much of it is hidden) in Kingston and, as an organisation, we are here to help people who face housing problems and to get rough sleepers the temporary accommodation they need to start rebuilding their lives.

We had a fantastic response at Harvest time, with churches and schools donating non-perishable food to KCAH.  A big thank you!  This food is distributed to those who come to KCAH who are literally rough sleeping but also those on low incomes who are finding it hard to make ends meet.  When it is a cold, bitter winter’s day, it is always humbling to be distributing some food, a flask, a blanket or sleeping bag to somebody who has nowhere to stay that night.  I cycle into work most days, and the chill to my bones from that experience is enough for me.  Imagining the thought of sleeping on cold ground with little protection from the elements – I doubt I’d get much sleep.

At present, we are seeing between 40 and 50 new clients a month.  Of course, the majority of our clients do not attend the office on just one occasion.  They visit us on a regular basis if we are able to work with them to resolve their issues – be it finding temporary accommodation, dealing with landlord disrepair or ensuring that welfare benefit issues are dealt with properly.

With the recession now a stark reality, KCAH’s services are in demand more than ever.  It is with this realisation that we need to ensure that Kingston is properly equipped to help those who have nowhere to stay for the night.   Similarly, there are more people on benefits in search of a secure tenancy and who are struggling to find a month’s rent in advance plus a deposit.

This is why KCAH is currently looking to initiate piloting a winter nightshelter during February 2009, using church and community hall facilities and run primarily by volunteers from all churches.  This is your chance to be pro-active and get involved in what can be the most amazing project!  Please contact me if you wish to know more – I’d love to hear from you.

Kingston also desperately needs a Day Centre and a Credit Union.  These are long-term goals but something that KCAH is passionate about seeing become a reality.  In order to achieve this, KCAH first needs to ensure that the work we already do gains more exposure within the local community and regionally.  As we look to become more proficient in getting the message of homelessness and the inequalities of housing across, let us focus on making these long-term goals become reality.

It starts with your support on Homelessness Sunday.

Matt Hatton
Operational Director