photo by Linda Kirby

A former service user cuts the cake with Yvette Ball the Faith in Action chair

The Mayor of Merton joined trustees, staff, volunteers and service users at the Drop-In Centre in Kingston Road to mark the 10th anniversary of the Merton Homelessness Project.

Yvette Ball, Chair of Faith in Action said:
“This is an extraordinary milestone. Extraordinarily sad because the blight of homelessness is as evident now as it was in 2004. And extraordinary because of the faith in the project of all our local communities who have ensured we can continue to help those with no secure roof over their head or a bed for the night.

From its small beginning a decade ago, through huge efforts in awareness-raising and fund-raising together with the Salvation Army’s willingness to house the charity, we now have a vibrant Drop-In catering for 65-70 vulnerable people every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year.”

Faith in Action provides a warm welcome and friendship, nutritious meals, showers and laundry, IT access and assistance with finding a job. There are referrals to health and drug / alcohol agencies and, of course, to housing organisations.

Faith in Action has an ambitious programme to develop the Drop-In facilities with a strong focus on enabling service users to help themselves.

Mayor Agatha Akyigyina with Faith in Action project workers, volunteers, trustees, and a former service user

Mayor Agatha Akyigyina with Faith in Action project workers, volunteers, trustees, and a former service user