In Walthamstow, 100 volunteers from over 20 churches work for 365 days of the year to serve a hot meal every night to 50-60 people who are homeless or rough sleeping …
and they are in serious need of a new van!
The Christian Kitchen has been running for 28 years, providing a meal every night to anyone who needs it, in three locations across Waltham Forest. In car parks, and by the side of the road, they provide not only the warmth of a hot meal, but also the warmth of human kindness and companionship.
The project is run entirely by volunteers – those who prepare the food, and cook it, as well as those who go on the road each night and serve it. The volunteers come from over 20 churches, including St Patrick’s Blackhorse Road, and Our Lady and St George on Shernhall Street. Sometimes it is very demanding – people sleeping rough often get beaten up, and in the freezing rain of a winter’s night wounds are tended, advice given, and hope offered. Norman, who co-ordinates the project said, “There is a new desperation on people’s faces when they come to us now.” And there are new rough sleepers, as some people have lost their jobs and been evicted from homes. The Christian Kitchen is there for them every night of the year.
Emissions rules are changing and the faithful old van which has served the project for about 15 years will soon incur a hefty daily charge to be able to use it on the road. During this year the project needs to raise £60,000 to fund the purchase of a new van – along with all the kit which goes into the van to keep the meals hot, tasty and fresh.
Can you help?
Visit the website www.christiankitchen.co.uk or the Facebook page @ChristianKitchenWF for more information.
For business donations, please contact Steve Kearns, a Christian Kitchen trustee on [email protected]
Individual donations can be made online: www.justgiving.com/christiankitchen or by bank transfer to TSB Bank Christian Kitchen
Sort Code: 30-91-21 Account number: 01094165
