A group of churchgoers from the Ilford Seventh Day Adventist Church are making their final trip into central London to deliver items to the homeless

Monthly drop-in centre could help the homeless at Ilford church

Amanda Nunn Tuesday, February 26, 2013
8:00 AM

After three years of helping the homeless in central London, volunteers from a church in Ilford have decided to turn their focus closer to home.

The congregation at the Ilford Seventh Day Adventist Church, Ilford Lane are aiming to have a monthly drop in centre for the homeless starting next month.

For the past few years, about 15 people have met to prepare and take food, clothing and toiletries to homeless people in central London.

Alan Rodney, of Heath Road, Ilford, said: “Christianity’s not just about belief, there’s a very practical element to it. If people are hungry then we need to feed them, there’s no point in preaching to a hungry man.”

He said the homeless people they met were always very pleased for the help.

“We got a very good response, it was very well received, people were always grateful for the food that we gave them and especially the toiletries,” Mr Rodney added. “Lots of people asked for socks and underwear.”

Mr Rodney said they wanted to turn their focus closer to home and help those in need in Redbridge.

“There are lots of people in our local community and there’s a big influx coming into Redbridge and these people need our help as much as the people in central London,” he explained.

“Charity begins at home so we want to do something in our local area.”

The plan is to open the church hall up once a month and provide dinner for anyone who finds themselves in need.

There will also be people on hand to talk to as well.

Mr Rodney said: “We hope to have it up and running by next month. If people in the local community want to help that would be good, or if you have food or items to donate that is also useful.”

If you are interested in getting involved go to the church any Saturday between 9.30am-6pm.