downsmail.co.uk
News Shelter scheme set to expand
MAIDSTONE Churches’ Winter Shelter for the homeless, which was launched after Christmas, was so successful that plans are in place to expand it next winter. Thirty-two people were given a
roof over their head, a bed and a meal during an eight-week period at seven churches (Salvation Army, Methodist, United Reformed, St Faith’s, Quakers, Baptist, St Luke’s) on successive nights of theweek. In all, 52 people were helped in
variousways. Every church had the support of
volunteers and local financial and food donations (many from Downs Mail readers). Fundingwas available to employ a project manager and as- sistant. All guests had washing facilities
and were offered clean clothes and footwear, bringing “an amazing, visible impact of personal confi- dence”.
Independence was encouraged
and homeless guests were sup- ported to find their own permanent accommodation. This was achieved for 12 people. Eight people renewed contacts
with their families and seven were helped to find paid work, work placements or volunteering.
The shelter hasnowbeen incorpo-
rated as a registered charity and this will help “to build stronger struc- tures and develop a higher quality project ... to relieve this deep need in Maidstone”. The aim is to open for longer and
offer more beds. Volunteering capacity could allow
for 20 beds, but as some churches are small alternative venues are needed. Chairman Rev Bill Miller intro-
duced the published project report at a reception in Maidstone Baptist Church, where he is minister.
Rev Bill Miller thanks (fromleft) Angela Flynn, (associate projectmanager), TracyMaybank (volunteer help manager) and Jayne Hendy (projectmanager)
‘Wonderful’ project changedmy life
TONY Powell-Chatfield (49) says Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter and Maidstone Day Care Centre has totally changed his life. Until Christmas he slept in woods in
a tent (until it was stolen), off Millen- nium Park and in Sandling. Then the former pharmacy techni-
cian heardof the night shelter offered by severalMaidstone churches. He went to the Salvation Army
Citadel in Union Street, where he en- joyed a meal, the company of other homeless people and volunteers, and
a comfortable campbed. “It was wonderful,” said Tony (pic-
tured). He moved on to other churches until the scheme ended in February. But the two charities liaised with MaidstoneCouncil andTonywas offered an apartment off London Road, with rent paid fromhis benefits and furniture provided by volunteers. “There is no substitute for yourown
place,” Tony told the DownsMail. Tony lost his job, was evicted from
his Maidstone home due to rent ar- rears in September 2012 and was
homeless for two winters. He was helped by the day centre for 18 months, but the nights were “tough”. Now he is fit
and settled – and just needs
to find a job, perhaps in a pharmacy or as a driving mate. The Downs Mail will pass any offers of interview on to Tony.
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