I was struck by the variety of nationalities involved this year.
Talking with Fr Kevin afterwards, we reckoned that we spoke with people from
8-9 different countries; Eastern Europe was well represented as usual, with
guests from Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Estonia and other countries – and our
first Swiss guest!
Sadly, in many cases the guests are with us because of
broken dreams. The dream of getting a job in the UK and being able to afford
housing remains a dream. The reality is jobs that have fallen through, jobs that
were advertised but never existed and jobs that were lost for unknown reasons.
The reality is that savings are used up, housing is no longer affordable, and
nights are spent outside trying to shelter from the wind, endless rain and bitter
cold.
That’s where the shelter comes in. We provide warmth,
safety, comfort, good food – Thai chicken curry from Maestro Georges last night
– and companionship.
We also have fun doing it. As evidence, here is a
photo of last night’s Evening Team - together with the famous beds and
bags. 
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