A CHURCH in Reading is seeking help from tradespeople as it seeks to provide support for homeless people.
The Way Ministry is aiming to provide a new shelter space in Reading which will feature a safe, warm space complete with food provision, showering facilities, a place to source clothing, and somewhere to sleep for those without homes.
However they are seeking help in putting the project together, and are reaching out to residents who may be able to offer their skills.
They are particularly seeking those with experience in carpentry, electricians, gas engineers, plumbers, and general contractors who are able to volunteer their services for the project.
They are aiming for the project to be completed by December 15, ahead of Christmas.
It comes as the church has finally found a space to host such a shelter, after teaming with charity Fab4All to share use of a space in North Street, central Reading.
Grace Gomez said: “We recently acquired the building which we will be sharing with Fab4All.
“They’ll be using it during the day, and we will use the centre at night, where we will be putting in a night shelter.
“However it’s in a worse state than we realised: we need to get the electrics done, a new fuse board, gas cookers connected, a disabled toilet fitted– it’s a lot of work.
“I really want the shelter to be working before Christmas so that people can be in there an safe over Christmas and New Year.”
She explained: “Somebody turned up at the church just this morning who didn’t even have a sleeping bag, and it was actually at freezing this morning, so he’d been up for two days, and was exhausted.”
In a post on the church’s social media, the ministry said: “Your contribution will directly impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Reading.
“Homelessness is a pressing issue in our community, and with your support, we can create a space that offers shelter, warmth, and hope to those in need.
“Your skills can make a real difference and contribute to building a better future for our community members.”
Ms Gomez added: “We also really need electricians and gas engineers to make sure it’s safe, and we’re hoping to have it ready by December 15th.
“And of course we are always looking for volunteers: we can’t open the shelter without volunteers.
“I’m ecstatic we’ve finally secured a place, so once we’ve got it up and running we’ll have a permanent place for people who find themselves on the street.”
Volunteers can get in touch with The Way Ministry via their website at: thewayministryreading.co.uk
