By Matt Clifton
The Folkestone Churches Winter Shelter will open its doors to homeless guests in the Shepway area for the first time.

The aim is to offer a holistic approach to the needs of guests over the winter months from 7 December 2009 until the end of February 2010.
The project is believed to be the only emergency overnight shelter operating in Kent this winter.

Seven different church locations are being used to host the Shelter, staffed by 2 project managers and upwards of 150 trained volunteers drawn almost entirely from churches across Folkestone.

The Police, Fire Service, Environmental Health, NHS and other agencies have given operational advice.

The Shelter is a partnership between Folkestone churches, the Salvation Army, Shepway District Council with other agencies active in homelessness.

We will offer guests hospitality in the shape of a warm welcome, a hot meal and a comfortable bed.

We will also facilitate engagement with specialist support services including housing, health and substance misuse advice. The shelter aims to help guests move on to more appropriate accommodation.

Councillor Lynne Beaumont, well known locally for supporting the homeless, said, “This is one of the most exciting projects I have ever had the pleasure to be involved with.

Local people working together to promote the lives of others. This is the true meaning of the word community. May the rest of the country follow our lead.”

Captain Matt Clifton of The Salvation Army said, “Since arriving in Folkestone 15 months ago, it’s been thrilling to sense the shared compassion among our churches for the most vulnerable and excluded people in our town. Council leaders and staff and local agencies are similarly impassioned to make a difference. It’s a huge privilege to be involved.”

All enquiries, whether to support, get involved or to seek accommodation, should be directed to Richard Fitzgerald or Jon Limebury from the Project Team on 07850 342125 or at folkestoneshelter@ntlworld.com   

Entrance is by referral only and for Shepway homeless persons in the first instance.

News on the Shelter’s progress can be followed at www.folkestoneshelter.com  

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