Churches' help for homeless resumes

A project run by churches to help homeless people in Bradford is to return to the city this winter.

Inn Churches, which ran for one experimental month earlier this year, was so successful that it will run for three months this winter beginning on December 1. In February, 56 homeless men and women were welcomed, fed family-style meals and housed overnight in city churches.

Shawna Splawn, one of the organisers, said: "Twenty five local churches and 95 volunteers helped out in different ways and everyone was changed by the experience.

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"Hearing the real human stories behind that anonymous term 'homeless people' was very moving and challenging.

"Such was the response, we knew we needed to run for longer."

The project will need more volunteers and resources because it will be running for a longer period of time this winter.

Organisers are holding a fundraising evening at 6pm on Thursday at the new Jubilee Centre in Little Germany, Bradford. There will be music by local group, Starling, as well as a message from speaker Clive Gott.

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The homeless people who were given help have also praised the project.

One said: "It basically cheered me up – I was depressed before. Everyone was very kind and made me feel at home. It's made a big difference to me."

Another added: "I'd really like to thank these people. I've had a haircut and new clothes and they've really fetched me back to myself."

Someone else who used the services of Inn Churches, said: "It's a fantastic scheme. They've just sorted out a flat for me – so life's looking good for once."

Tickets for the fundraiser are available for 5 by calling Juli Thompson on 07833450482 or on the door at the event.