The local press has criticised HARP, our local homelessness project. HARP do not charge for donated clothes, food parcels, haircuts or showers. HARP charges for lunches for those people that are not homeless but visit the Centre for food. Rough sleepers are not turned away for lack of money. HARP aims to help people off the streets.

I hope the misleading reporting has not discouraged you. Our parish has always supported Serving the Homeless generously. All your donations go to good causes. We fund many of HARP’s projects. We support the Southend YMCA; they furnished 8 more units for young people this year. And we support the Churches Winter Shelter Programme: last winter we provided over £1000 for sleeping bags.

Jo Ronan, chairperson, Serving the Homeless