Celebrating the local charity described as a 'modern day miracle'

Past and present volunteers and friends gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Acton to celebrate Acton Homeless Concern’s 30th Anniversary.

The charity was founded in 1989 as a practical response to the needs and problems of a large community of homeless people sleeping rough on local streets.

With the help of over 100 volunteers, it now supports hundreds of people without permanent accommodation through advice sessions, holistic health sessions, and the provision of clothes and household items across its two drop-in centres.

A spokesperson from Acton Homeless Concern said, “We had a fabulous event to mark the charity’s 30 years. Along with clergy and parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes, we were delighted to welcome representatives from other faiths who have done so much to support us over the years.”

They added, “Among the guests were local MP Rupa Huq and Councillor Patricia Walker, former Mayor of Ealing. It was an opportunity to thank everyone involved including volunteers who were there right at the start of the charity’s activities.”

Also present were partner organisations such as City Harvest, the surplus food charity providing free delivery to not-for-profit groups. Together they celebrated how Acton Homeless Concern has been leading in provision for those without permanent accommodation in the local community including hot meals and even shower facilities.

City Harvest Founder Bruce Marquart said, “City Harvest and Acton Homeless Concern are leaders in this struggle to provide a basic survival living for everyone, as well as a sense of hope and value in themselves… [both] try to strengthen our communities and not try to divide and alienate us

The Our Lady of Lourdes’ Father Fergal, Hasan Ahmed from the West London Islamic Centre, Councillor Patricia Walker, the former Mayor of Ealing and Rupa Huq MP for Ealing Central and Acton addressed the group.

Rupa Huq said, “This amazing charity operates on a shoestring. It is a modern day miracle”.

She added that the celebration was not about balance sheets but the people power of the volunteers and trustees who selflessly give up their time to helping the less fortunate and vulnerable.

She said, “I’ve been there with my pinny on serving Friday lunches. It is sad but true that its services are more needed than ever as homelessness and rough seeping have rocketed locally and central and local government have been cut to the bone.”

Last year, Acton Homeless Concern provided more than 40,000 meals and 1,500 showers and haircuts. When you add the meals/snacks served in the Damien Centre it's a total of 58,812 (latest April 2018 to March 2019 figures). With around 150-200 people attending its centres every day, the charity is always in need of clothing, household goods, baby goods and toys – and of course volunteers who can help run the two centres.

Acton Homeless Concern is open to anyone who is homeless or inadequately housed and in need of food, clothing, friendship or advocacy. There are two centre running a range of services available to anyone in need. :

Emmaus House
(020 8992 5768)
Lunch, clothes, showers, advice on benefits and housing, GP, chiropody, optician, dentist and
barber, alcohol and drug counsellor.

Damien Centre
(020 8993 6096)
Refreshments and social activities
Monday to Friday 9.00-12noon; 2.00-6.00 pm
Thursday 2.30-6.00 pm

Find out how you can make a difference here

3 October 2019