Church and Society Commission22 Nov 24

Take action to overcome homelessness this winter

As Christmas comes closer, many more people in Ireland than was the case last year are living without a roof or a home or are at risk of losing their own place of comfort, warmth and safety.

In this new video, Archbishop Michael Jackson, Chair of the Church of Ireland’s Church and Society Commission, encourages viewers to consider what they can do, as part of their social responsibility and concern, to support those in homelessness and to serve neighbours who feel especially vulnerable.

Suggestions from the Commission’s current resource on the issue – Sharing hope with people without a home – include providing fruit and vegetables for families and individuals who may have a need for better nutrition due to their household’s circumstances, and welcoming people to parish social activities.

The Commission is asking leaders in parishes to remember, above all else, that each person experiencing homelessness is unique, facing unique challenges, and deserves compassion and respect.  The best response will be guided by requests expressed by professionals working in this area with whom parishes are asked to make contact, to discuss and offer support.

Every parish in every part of the island can take some small action, bearing in mind that homelessness is also a rural challenge although it can be less visible in that setting.

Advent is a very appropriate time for praying for all homeless people worldwide as we approach the Season of Christmas in which God came to Earth as a vulnerable baby.

Archbishop Jackson also encourages advocacy by voters on homelessness, as the Irish general election approaches at the end of next week.  This call to be a voice, on behalf of people without a home, runs alongside the Commission’s response to the draft Programme for Government for Northern Ireland which calls on the Executive to target its finances on meeting social need.

The video is available on the Church of Ireland’s website and social media channels, and Sharing hope with people without a home can be downloaded, printed and shared from this link: https://tinyurl.com/homeless-christmas