Sanctuary Helping the Homeless in Gravesend
It's interesting to note that much of Jesus ministry as well as His commandment to followers, was aimed at the poor and disadvantaged. In Matthew 25:34 we read that God expects his disciples to feed the hungry; clothe those without; visit the sick and those in prison. In Psalm 82 we see that God expects us to 'uphold the cause of the poor, to rescue the weak and needy'. And of course the parable of the Good Samaritan is all about how we are to treat others that society ignores. I'm also reminded that God's love doesn't require us to judge whether someone is 'worthy' or not – after all we would all be lost if that was the case.
Gravesend, for whatever reason, has a sizable community of people who are homeless. Many are malnourished and in need of medical help, but are unsure of who to turn to. Much of this goes unseen, but becomes apparent at night as uncovered by members of the Street Pastors and Foodbank teams.
Because of this, some of the churches have got together to organise a night shelter that will operate throughout the winter months. It goes under the name of 'Sanctuary' and will initially be open 3 nights a week in the community hall at the back of Gravesend Methodist Church.
A public meeting was help a few weeks ago to explain the project. Over 180 came of which 120+ have volunteered to help out. The shelter will
provide:
-Hot food and drinks.
-Emergency clothing.
-Washing and cleaning facilities
-A place to experience community.
-A place to sleep.
If you want to know more or would like to get involved visit the ChurchesTogether website at:
www.graveshamchurchestogether.org/sanctuary
