Over coffee one afternoon two members of Beacon Church found something in common. They were talking about how one of them had helped someone who was homeless while the other had long had the desire to help people in these situations. Both just wanted to do something to help, but didn’t know how. So they just started! They decided to purchase items that a homeless person might need and give them out, initially using their own funds.

They supported a local night shelter, which was wonderful, and asked the congregation at Beacon Church to join them, which they wholeheartedly did. While dropping supplies at the night shelter, they chatted to the clients and heard first-hand about their individual situations and challenges.

They came across a number of other individuals who they were able to help practically – including several women in a refuge, a family in real need, and a gentleman who was provided with groceries. They also gave donations to a homeless charity and joined them in their sponsored sleep-out to raise funds. This had a real impact on them, showing what living rough could be like and just how lonely, vulnerable and exposed those who are homeless can feel.

To build a more sustainable source of funds, they began fundraising, initially though plant sales at school fairs and table top sales, both home grown and kind donations from supportive local garden centres. As well as funds, they started asking for practical donations, especially toiletries. The newly opened Revive Coffee Shop provided the perfect place for people to drop off their donations. Donations and increased funds allowed them to give more help to individuals who approached them.