I recently caught up with Jo Morrison who is the lead coordinator for The Living Room and asked her to tell us what it is exactly and how we are connecting with the homeless community here in Great Yarmouth.
What is the Living Room?
We are a charity working with other local churches to provide an overnight safe space in Great Yarmouth for people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets or in unsafe accommodation during the winter months. The Living Room was set up by Anna Heydon from Imagine Norfolk Together and 5 local churches in the borough and we are now entering our 3rd winter caring for the rough sleepers of Great Yarmouth.
What do you do?
Every weekend from late November to the end of March, we provide a place where rough sleepers can escape the cold, eat a hearty evening meal, enjoy some company, have a bed for the night in a safe environment, followed by a good breakfast. This happens at a different church venue each night from a Friday evening to a Monday morning when we meet some of the needs of those most affected by the challenges of the cold winter months. It is also a great opportunity for churches to use their resources to demonstrate God’s love to people in need of support.
Where are these church venues?
On Fridays, we meet at Kingsgate Community Church on Queen Anne’s Road in Southtown.
On Saturdays, you will find us at Minster Mission on Admiralty Road in Great Yarmouth.
On Sundays, we finish the weekend at Park Baptist Church on Crown Road, also in Great Yarmouth.
How can I get involved?
There are no lists of skills to be a volunteer with us; you just need a desire to support and help the rough sleeping community here in Great Yarmouth. In fact, we welcome volunteers from all walks of life and skill sets. We have found that many of our volunteers are Christians but if you’re not, please don’t let that stop you getting involved!
For information on volunteering please contact Jo through:
Email: thelivingroomgy@outlook.com
Phone: 07724303310
