Bishop helps homeless
VISIT TO FAITHS’ WINTER NIGHT SHELTER
STAFF at a winter night shelter for the homeless have had a helping hand from a bishop.
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Church of England Bishop of Loughborough, visited One Roof Leicester (ORL), of which she is patron.
She helped to cook a meal and make beds and joined in social activities with guests.
The charity provides accommodation and support to people who find themselves homeless or destitute in Leicester.
ORL has a long-term objective to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness in Leicester.
The charity runs a housing project which provides temporary accommodation.
The One Roof Winter Night Shelter opens its doors offering shelter and hospitality to people that would otherwise be sleeping rough.
Seven faith venues in Leicester provide a safe place for up to 12 rough sleepers per night, with eight other venues offering support.
The visitors are supported by a team of volunteers who provide hospitality, friendship and food.
Bishop Guli visted the night shelter when it was hosted by the 7th Day Adventist Church, in University Road, Leicester.
ORL manager Salma Ravat said: “Bishop Guli’s visit was really appreciated by everyone at the Winter Night Shelter.”
Bishop Guli said: “I very much enjoyed my first visit to One Roof Leicester.
“I enjoyed meeting guests and volunteers, hearing people’s stories, playing games and sharing a meal.
“The level of organisation, commitment and attention to detail is impressive and I was really encouraged by the warmth and friendship.”
The Rev Helen Hayes, chairman of One Roof Leicester, said: “It is really important that the faith communities in Leicester speak out about homelessness in this city.
“Our houses and night shelter go some way to alleviating the problem, but we need support and help to do more, so we are hugely grateful to Bishop Guli.”