The teams go out every night of the week at 8.30pm for an hour throughout the year. Peter Querstret, the Saturday Team Leader, said: “We provide hot food, drink, sleeping bags, clothing and, above all, love, care and respect to the homeless, sofa surfers, those short of money, the distressed, the lonely and those who, for whatever reason, need a hot meal or just to have a chat.”
Recruits are being sought for the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday street teams, particularly men – all volunteers must be over the age of 18.
The Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter came to an end last week after providing overnight accommodation, food and support to 20 homeless people.
Volunteers have completed a total of 776 shifts over the 56 nights, providing breakfast and an evening meal for the guests.
Cook have provided food two evenings a week and several suppers were prepared by Anna’s Family Kitchen, while Marinos and No 1 have supplied fish and chips.
Blankets were donated by Age UK and Chamberlain Court Nursing Home washed clothes twice a week and also donated toiletries and new hats and underwear, while the Tunbridge Wells Labour Party also gave food, clothing and money.
Organiser Maureen Chaseley said: “The winter shelter this year has been a wonderfully warm, loving and supportive place for the 20 guests who have used the shelter.
“With good food, warm beds and a listening ear by the volunteers and chaplains our guests have been helped and encouraged.
“Many of our guests have gone on to their own accommodation and two have found work.”
She added: “Support for the homeless continues via the crisis centre and soup bowls at various churches and the street teams.
“We would like to thank every one of our volunteers and the businesses who have helped to make things better for all our guests, without whom we simply could not exist.”
If you would like more information about volunteering, please contact twstreetteams@yahoo.co.uk
