Assistance for low income from Birmingham City Mission

Various services are provided from Birmingham City Mission. The christian based charity helps people in poverty or the homeless, and they will assist residents of all ages, religions, and backgrounds. The aim of the charity is to provide emergency help to feed the hungry and shelter residents, and staff also then advocate and support those in poverty towards independent living.

Hundreds of residents turn to the mission each month. Some are faced with an emergency, such as hunger or homelessness, but others just need someone with a kind ear to listen. The services available from the volunteers at the Care Centre are wide ranging, and staff will try to address the needs of the client, or refer them to another local church or charity for practical support.

Support services from the Care Centre

Most of the assistance is from the Care Centre. This is an option for all people and no questions are asked to those who drop in at the location. Birmingham City Mission serves a free hot dinner meal each and every evening, and they also provide a box of food for the low income. The charity will share what they have with the less fortunate and give them the groceries and support they need, whether it is soup or a biscuit, but something is provided.

Elderly people are also a priority from the City Mission. The charity partners with Social Services and churches to visit them at home. Volunteers will also bring an older person a hot meal and check on their health.

Many older people also struggle during the winter, and volunteers from the mission will ensure they are warm and safe at home. If they are in arrears on heating bills or other costs during the winter, then BCM will offer referrals to schemes or payment plans for the arrears. They offer practical help and spiritual advice to older clients. Many seniors in Birmingham rely on the programmes from the mission for the help and care they need.

A lunch club is also run for the elderly in Birmingham. This can give them another opportunity for a free meal and socialization, and it is run in partnership with ElderLink. It serves dozens of older people each month, and clients can bring home a box of food when leaving the centre.

Charity Shops are open to the public. It will sell clothes and household items that are affordable. There may be furniture, bedding, and more. This is a good option for the formerly homeless and people that are settling to the city, and it is open from Tuesday to Friday. The stock is always replenished, so fresh items will be sold to the needy and people in the city. People will need to pay some cash for the items, and while they are low price, they are not free.

Housing and preventing homelessness is also an aim of the charity. People sleeping rough can access shelter, and there is also advice on rent payments for people threatened by homelessness. Birmingham City Mission will offer referrals to council schemes for deposits and resources such as discretionary housing payments.

Many residents in Birmingham are struggling with their rent with the continued reduction in benefits, and the BCM mission tries to assist. All programmes and charities that are available in West Midlands will be reviewed by the charity, and read more emergency rent assistance.

A Christmas Toy programme is also for families on a low income with children as well as lone parents. Birmingham City Mission runs this service for the city, and referrals are needed in order to apply. Families may get a free Christmas meal, or children can get a small toy or piece of clothing, such as a winter coat. The aim is to provide help to people in poverty at Christmas, and this BCM programme runs each year.

The mission and the Care Centre has a post of 75 Watery Lane Middleway, Bordesley. People can drop in, or call 0121 766 6603 for information.