DERBY CITY MISSION IS PREPARING ITSELF FOR ANOTHER CHALLENGING WINTER

As Coronavirus remains a challenge for us all, we are unable to deliver the homeless churches nightshelters this year. But, we continue to still provide for the homeless over this period, we are just having to be creative in how we do this.

In the city of Derby, our Safe Space service is ongoing. 24/7 provision for the most entrenched homeless in Derby, bringing; a place of safety, a place where people can get warm, have a shower, wash clothes, watch some TV, get something to eat. We’re keen for volunteers to get involved. This service will be stretched over the winter as more demand will be asked of it.

Alongside this, we’re starting a new project called MyPlace, where twenty individuals with offending pasts are being given the opportunity to have their own place to live. Two staff members will be supporting them over the next year to maintain the accommodation, and begin to look at other areas of their lives, encouraging them to make better decisions then they may have done in the past.

In Derbyshire, we’ve been unable to source a venue as we did last year in Mount Cook, but Derby City Mission are working with the local authorities across Derbyshire to provide floating support to any homeless who are placed in Bed and Breakfast or hotels across the county. This could be from Buxton in the north, all the way down to Swadlincote.

We are working with Freedom, a charity based in Bolsover who have experience supporting people in accommodation. We will have small teams of staff travelling around the county, making sure people are well, fed, cared for and supported into more permanent accommodation. We are doing this in liaison with mental health services, drug and alcohol services and housing providers.

Regarding food provision, we’re seeking creative help in various locations as to how this might work. For example, in Chesterfield the churches are coming together with a team of volunteers to offer a hot meal every day to those staying in B&B’s. Could something similar happen in your area? Or do you know of a café that might be happy to accept a voucher or token system for meals. The main areas we will be supporting are Buxton, Chesterfield, Sandiacre, Swadlincote and Matlock.

Please pray for God’s provision of resources and staff as we start on these new ventures. That any homeless in the city or the county experience the care and love of Jesus through staff and volunteers this winter.

If you're keen to find out more about our Winter provision support for those living at crisis point, please take a look at our Safe Space information page. 

If you're keen to support our work with those currently living in crisis, please consider donating today.