Homeless in Merstham

Homelessness is an increasing issue in the United Kingdom which is also being faced by people in Merstham and surrounding areas.  This is a symptom of deep structural and ideological issues in the economy and the country as a whole.  On 16 November 2018 the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights released a statement on the situation in the UK. Read the PDF Statement here.

To quote … “The UK is the world’s fifth largest economy, it contains many areas of immense wealth ….”  However, as a result of long-term ideologically based austerity policies – “14 million people, a fifth of the population, live in poverty. Four million of these are more than 50% below the poverty line, and 1.5 million are destitute, unable to afford basic essentials. The widely respected Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts a 7% rise in child poverty between 2015 and 2022, and various sources predict child poverty rates of as high as 40%.  For almost one in every two children to be poor in twenty-first century Britain is not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster, all rolled into one.“

Jesus enjoins us to engage in active compassion and empathy.  Empathy is not a feeling, it has hands and feet – it gets out there and gets stuck in! “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” Jesus said (Matthew 25:31-46).

All Saints 2023/24 Winter Night Shelter Once again, during the winter of 2023/24, ALL SAINTS will be hosting a Winter Night Shelter one night a week during December and January.  The process is in partnership with the Renewed Hope Trust Winter Night Shelter. To volunteer please visit the Renewed Hope Trust web site.

The Renewed Hope Trust East Surrey Winter Night Shelter The Winter Night Shelter runs from mid December to the end of March each year. A ‘floating’ homeless winter night shelter hosted in venues in the Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge Council areas Guests are referred by one of our partner agencies and interviewed to ensure the Shelter is the right option for them. It is staffed by a team of trained volunteers who serve guests a hot meal and breakfast and provide overnight supervision. Drop-In Year-round, Monday to Friday, 11am-3pm Based in Redhill town centre It is a place where friendships form and people find support from others Free hot drinks, lunch and snacks offered Signposting to more specialist service and some organisations arrange to meet clients at the Drop-In   Get Involved Ways to support our work Volunteer at the Drop-In (or the Winter Night Shelter when it is running). Training is provided Donate food or various clothing items Give a one-off or regular financial donation Raise money by holding an event or doing some kind of sponsored activity

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council Housing Council Homelessness Review & Homelessness Strategy 2017-2021 – Read PDF Links – Council Housing Website – Housing Advise and Options – Common housing problems