Many people become homeless when they flee domestic abuse. Grace suggested that churches responding to domestic abuse could help to prevent this by ensuring those facing domestic abuse know they can find support in their church community. To find out about how your church can learn about responding to domestic abuse, see resources from Restored Relationships here.
Churches also now often provide emergency accommodation which is in a home environment, rather than feeling like a hostel. Our knowledge of pastoral support and our loving community can be a world away from the hostel which Grace described. One example is One Roof Leicester, set up by the Diocese of Leicester. To find out how churches are involved see here.
Preventing homelessness isn’t just about setting up a new social action project – it’s about being inclusive in the work we already do. Churches already provide an amazing service, including a loving family, which helps people to remain in their homes. But sometimes people don’t know that they’d be welcome. Being more proactive in going out to support people can make sure that those who need us most can find us.