Homeless outreach project returns to help 200 people-a-night

A homeless outreach project which supported up to 200 people-a-night and was suspended because of the pandemic has returned.

Street Souls, a project from homeless charity Emmaus and the Coombe Trust, returned to its home in St Stephen’s Church in Westminster on July 22 for a trial run.

The team of 15 staff, volunteers and companions from Emmaus served sandwiches, salads, fruit, cereal bars, yoghurts, crisps, cold water, lemonade and fruit juice to visitors to the church, as well as taking out pre-packed bags of food to homeless people in the area.

Gen Rogers, from Emmaus Greenwich, who is heading up the Street Souls project, said: “What excites me about Street Souls is the opportunity to support people going through difficult times, whether it is just offering a regular meal or if it’s the start of bigger changes for someone.

“Within the first year we are planning to find out what our visitors’ needs are beyond food and compassion, and seek ways to provide longer term support.

“Outreach projects such as Street Souls can be a turning point for people who do not know where to start. For some people Street Souls could be life changing.”

Emmaus said the impact of the cost of living is starting to be felt by many people in the capital, and the need for a service of this kind is extremely high.

Street Souls will be at St Stephen’s Church on the first and third Friday of each month, and is open to anyone who needs support.

Pictured top: Tania, a volunteer, helps out on the return of Street Souls (Picture: Emmaus)