Inn Churches – a local Christian charity providing emergency winter shelter for the homeless – is seeing an increase in demand for its services, and is making a huge difference to the lives of the people it serves.
Inn Churches began in Bradford several years ago, and now, for the second year, Halifax is running its own project. People have 
been coming to faith through both Inn Churches and the foodbank set up by Christians Together in Halifax, so, in order to cater for the spiritual needs of those using the services, a fresh expression of church called the Saturday Gathering has been set up.
One of the leaders, Linda Maslen (left), says, “In just over one year we’ve had 53 baptisms at Saturday Gathering. It’s remarkable – and it’s fantastic to see God so tangibly at work.
“In Bradford the winter shelter is provided in local churches but in Halifax the council has given us a building in the centre of town to support all the work that we do with those on the margins of society. The winter shelter so far has provided over 330 nights accommodation, dinner and breakfast to our guests and in partnership with the council and housing agencies we have found homes for 30 people. And some who’ve been found homes have come back as volunteers.”
You can watch some videos about Saturday Gathering here, here and here.
In Bradford, since the project started, Inn Churches has provided (with the support of 75 churches and 550 volunteers) over 5000 beds for homeless and vulnerable people.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Inn Churches Bradford is holding their own ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ on Saturday 6 June where you can complete a 24.4km walk, or, if you don’t fancy that, simply join in the Big Picnic. More details here
Or you may like to donate to Christians Together in Calderdale - or Inn Churches, Bradford.