North London Action for the Homeless food and basic needs

North London Action for the Homeless is a charity made up of volunteers that try to help the low income as well as homeless. Using donations from the community as well as the volunteers, the drop in centre provides help including free parcels of food, practical support such as clothing, and other support.

The programmes are run from the drop in centre, and this is open two days per week at St Paul’s Church Hall on Stoke Newington Road. Since the hours are limited there are only certain services available each day.

Food and meals are provided both on Monday and Wednesday. The supper is made up of as many as three courses and it can feed the homeless as well as people struggling to find affordable food for their family. NLAH may provide everything from soup to tea, bread, and tinned items. This is all before the main course is served too.

Volunteers prepare and serve the meals. When possible, a parcel may be given out as well for a take-away service. Or the charity will signpost the family to other food banks in the region.

Some of the fresh food is available from their Evering Road Kitchen Garden. This is where vegetables, fruits, and other items may be obtained from. Volunteers will add these home grown goods to the meals served on the two days per week.

In addition to the meal, other support is given at the same time. There may be clothing, including items such as a coat to keep people warm. Or North London Action for the Homeless will provide a sleeping bag or blanket to those that are sleeping rough in the street or sofa surfing.

A Welfare rights adviser also partners with the charity too. This specialist will provide information on government schemes to help a family either find a home or take steps to exit poverty. They use the St Paul’s Church Hall one day per week to give advice.

For the homeless or families in poverty, they can also drop in to use the North London Action for the Homeless centre to talk to a Health Worker. This specialist can assess the person to determine if they have any medical needs. Not only will health issues be addressed, but there is also a Drug and Alcohol worker to help substance abusers.

Like all charities, NLAH depends on both fundraisers to raise money from the community as well as volunteers. Without their help the organisation would not operate. More support is always needed from the community as well.

They can use volunteer drivers or people to prepare a meal. If someone has clothing they want to donate, then North London Action for the Homeless can use those items too and they will be passed out to the vulnerable.

The registered, Christian faith charity North London Action for the Homeless operates their drop in centre at St Paul’s Church Hall, Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 7UE. To volunteer or request help, the number is 07891 703221.