West London Churches Homeless Concern housing and shelter programmes

Volunteers and charities work with West London Churches Homeless Concern in an effort to help the poor, homeless, and less fortunate. Not only is shelter available, but the churches provide assistance for other needs, such as food, clothing, and information on housing benefits. Casework will also help guests find a solution to any homelessness.

Dozens of churches from the western London area work to relieve poverty in the region. This includes offering case management and referrals to job training or placement. Shelter and accommodation is also provided to the homeless. Some of the year round services administered include free food, clothing, and even washing facilities in the Chelsea area. During the cold winter months, they operate one of London’s largest night shelter, in which well over 100 people may be housed.

A casework service is available too. Volunteers and advisers offer advice on accessing housing benefits in the UK and fuel poverty programs for those that need help with heating bills in their flat. There is also advocacy and support to help find solutions to poverty and also of course homelessness

The caseworkers operate from different drop-in centres in western London, including in Fulham and Chelsea. Individuals who need help and guests of the shelters can make an appointment to speak with a caseworker. They can also get food, free meals, referrals to security deposit schemes, second-hand clothing and more. A doctor is on hand some days during the week to provide medical advice. The case worker from the centres will offer advice and assistance.

Staff work throughout the year to offer advice to those that use their services. Caseworkers from WLCHC help guest’s access specialist services and accommodation, including drug, alcohol and mental health services. Other assistance includes help in accessing dental services, assistance with finding employment, help obtain birth certificates, and advice on dealing with UK benefit and entitlement issues.

A main focus is on resettlement. In order to make this occur, staff from West London Churches will offer referrals to housing services. People seeking accommodations can learn about places to turn to for deposit schemes for a new flat. The casework services and the information they have is extensive.

Clients can also learn about landlords in London that offer bond guarantees or other type of programmes to help an individual pay rent in advance. The bottom line is that the churches that are part of the organization want to rehouse the homeless, and the various schemes in the area can help accomplish that goal.

The Drop-in centres are open limited hours. Fulham Broadway Methodist Church is open only 3 days per week. It is located at 452 Fulham Road, London SW6 1BY. Another location is the Chelsea Methodist Church Drop-In, which is located at 155a Kings Road, London, SW3 5TX. Clients can also explore another option which is sometimes available, and that is the St Augustine’s, Queen’s Gate. The charity also runs a drop-in centre.

The West London Churches Homeless Concern night shelters operate during the winter months on an open-door policy. This means that anyone can use them, and a referral is not needed. However, due to demand, there may often be a waiting list in place.

As part of the services at the centre, the churches offer connections to social services. While a focus is on rough sleepers and the low income, others can receive help as well. This includes includes information on housing benefits and schemes for paying rent, as noted above. People from the community can receive support from charities and other organisations.

The shelter is usually based at a different church each night on a rota basis. Normally a cooked breakfast as well as a hot evening meal are served. On winter nights when the temperature drops below freezing, the West London Churches Homeless Concern tries to accommodate all who need a place to stay.

There are several churches that often work with WLCHC. The list can change from year to year, and the services available at each location will change. However, the main churches are as follows.

 

• Askew Road Methodist Church, W12
• Barnes Methodist Church, which is located in SW13, supports people in the immediate area.
• Chelsea Methodist, which is located in SW3
• Fulham Baptist Church, SW6, has a drop in centre
• Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6
• Rivercourt Methodist Church, W6
• St Barnabas Church shelter, W14
• Saint Columba’s Church of Scotland, SW1
• St Dionis – This church is located in SW6
• Saint Luke’s and Christ Church Chelsea, SW3
• St Marys, Putney, SW15
• Saint Paul’s Hammersmith (W^) as well as Saint Pauls Church, Onslow Square, SW7
• St Simons is based on Rockley Road in W14
• St Luke’s Redcliffe Gardens, SW10

For more information on West London Churches Homeless Concern, contact them by post at WLCHC, 155a Kings Road, London, SW3 5TX. Or by telephone, 0207 351 4948.