On 10 October, we are marking World Homeless Day by appealing for volunteers to help with our outreach project Street Souls. This annual event is a chance to reflect upon the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our local community, and beyond.
Emmaus Greenwich is currently seeking volunteers to help with the running of Street Souls, in particular people who can drive the van which brings the supplies to the church, and to help with the running of the evening, talking to people and sharing food and provisions.
Emmaus Greenwich has been supporting people experiencing homelessness in the South London area since 1994, through providing accommodation, training, support, and meaningful work experience in our social enterprises. The Street Souls project relaunched in 2022, and offers food, clothing and support to people who are currently sleeping rough in London. The project currently takes place twice a month, at St Stephens church in Westminster, SW1P.
Charities like ours provide a vital lifeline to those who experience homelessness. Government figures released in August estimated that homelessness increased by around 11% in just three months, and with the cost of living continuing to rise in coming months it is anticipated that this figure will continue to rise.
Community Manager Sofia Barbosa said: “Volunteers are vital to the running of Emmaus Greenwich and of our Street Souls project. We are looking for people who are passionate about the work we do, and about issues of homelessness.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Street Souls should visit https://emmaus.org.uk/greenwich/street-souls/