Seven days a week, fifty-one weeks a year

In the weeks before Christmas St Stephen’s, together with other churches in Dulwich organise an appeal for local homeless charities. This year, we are supporting the Manna day centre.

Hidden away in the back streets behind London Bridge Station and overshadowed by the fast-rising Shard skyscraper, the Manna day centre has been offering practical help to homeless people for over twenty years.

Each morning the doors open at half past eight for breakfast. Along with a hot meal, those visiting the centre can have a shower, see a dentist or a nurse, get housing advice or even choose items of furniture to help set-up home. Later in the morning lunch is served and most days over two hundred people come through the door.

The centre is run by Bandi Mbubi, “We try to offer a range of services to people here. If you have no fixed address it can be very hard to get to see a GP. For me this is a way of showing practical Christian love. As it says in James, what is faith without deeds?”

Bandi is enthusiastic – and he needs to be, as numbers visiting the centre seem to be rising. When asked about possible cuts in funding, Bandi remains optimistic, “We decided never to take more than 15% of our funding from the government. For the rest we rely on donations, particularly from the Christian community. We were championing the ‘Big Society’ long before the government. So, we hope for the best.”

One of those using the centre is Tony, who has been on the streets for eight years. “At the Manna centre you get treated with respect. It is tough on the streets, there are a lot of people with mental health problems and people coming to London thinking that the streets are paved with gold, but it’s not like that. A few years ago, I came to the centre in pain, saw one of the nurses, got to see a GP and ended up getting a hip replacement by a top surgeon.”

The centre is open seven days a week, fifty one weeks of the year, only closing when Crisis at Christmas open-up their temporary shelters. Bandi explains, “Winter is hard for the homeless. Those on the streets become ill, those in temporary housing often cannot afford the heating. Before we close for Christmas we have a big Christmas meal, usually with three sittings. For those who come this really is special and everyone who comes receives a wrapped present – often donated by schools and churches. It’s what Christmas is about.”

Financial donations for the Manna Centre or wrapped Christmas presents can be left at St Stephen’s during December. Gifts that help keep out the cold such as jumpers, socks or gloves, are always welcome, as are jeans or trainers, either new or second-hand. Presents that lift the spirits – good quality sweets or chocolate for example – are much appreciated. The Church is open for services and between 9-2 on Wednesday and Friday and 10.30 -11.30 on Saturday.