What is Storehouse?

• Every Thursday from 6pm, from Ozzy Road Baptist Church (now called Derby Urban Church), up to 100 guests are provided with a hot meal lovingly served with a big dose of support and friendship.
• It started 12 years ago at St Augustine’s in Normanton as an initiative of Reach Derby, formally Community Church Derby.  
• Derby City Mission now oversees the project, with Reach Derby remaining as a prayer and financial partner. Tim Stokes from Reach leads the project with support from volunteers from churches across Derby.

Hear from Project Manager Tim Stokes

"In 2016, I met a homeless guy called Thomas on the streets in Normanton. I took him to Storehouse, where they met his immediate need for food. But it was more than that. I remember Thomas being overwhelmed by people who cared about him, and he felt enormous relief.

"It took me a while to decide that this role was for me. I had the passion to be more involved in Storehouse, but working full-time, I asked God, “Why me?” In the end, it wasn’t a difficult decision to make, the team was already there.

"They are so wonderful! At the end of the day, we all sweep the floor and muck in, and there’s a strong core team who helps run the project together.

  

God has given me a vision for Storehouse.

"When a blind beggar Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) met Jesus, he didn’t ask for a loaf of bread or a new cloak, he didn’t need his immediate needs to be met. Instead, he asked for his sight to be restored.

"My vision is that the guests, through relationships with the team, get to see who Jesus is; not just wanting a meal but wanting to seek out help to transform their lives through Jesus."

How Storehouse transformed me by Simon Maddison

“A lot of guests know me, I used to do drugs with some of them! I just want to let people know that change is possible”

I was caught in a 20-year addiction, was penniless and used food places to save money for drugs. I was one of the first guests at Storehouse, and when it moved to Ozzy Road, I was encouraged to be a volunteer.

I wanted to join the team to give something back because everyone had become my second family; not only did they help me out with my immediate needs but have helped me spiritually too.

I gave my life to Jesus nine years ago, and I have been clean for four years on 15th May!

I am grateful to the Storehouse family as they have walked with me through the good times and the bad and have given me a reason to come out of my addiction. The team is always on hand to offer guidance, prayer and support; this is their unique offering.

I volunteer at Storehouse to prove that change is possible through Jesus