Littlehampton breakfast club for homeless launched

Many fine words were spoken when a breakfast club for homeless people was officially opened at Littlehampton, but the sentiments of a 32-year-old "rough sleeper", sitting quietly in a corner, were as eloquent as any others highlighting the value of the new initiative.

John, not his real name, is among the regulars at the HOMElink club, held on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings at St Mary's Church Hall.

It has served up 150 hot breakfasts since its launch on February 18, but just as importantly, the team of volunteers are a source of friendly smiles and good company.

John, one of a group of four sleeping rough on the seafront or wherever else they can find a quiet spot, said: "It's been a godsend since this opened and there's been a soup run (another HOMElink service).

"A lot of the time it feels like people would rather forget us, so it meant a lot to us today to hear these people and officials saying they want to support homeless people and the work of HOMElink."

Unable to claim benefits because he has no address, John, survives on hand-outs from friends. He has been homeless for five years and has lived in Littlehampton for more than 20 years.

"I would love to get a flat of my own, but money is the problem. HOMElink has a scheme to give you deposits, but there is a waiting list and it's aimed more at single people. It's a bit harder with a partner, as I have."

But for all the hardships of homelessness, John can still see the positives. "We watch foxes come and go, see field mice, shooting stars, sunsets and sunrises, beautiful things. As Oscar Wilde said: 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars'."

HOMElink project co-ordinator Tony Moran told guests at Friday's official opening: "We are proud to be opening this club, and offering a service to our friends, friends who are very dear to us."

He thanked Joy Johnson and the team of volunteers she leads for their "tremendous work", serving breakfasts with a smile.

Littlehampton's MP Nick Gibb, a HOMElink vice-patron, cut a red ribbon across the serving hatch to declare the club officially open.

He said: "The work that you do, all of you, is fantastic."

Mr Gibb added: "We should never forget how easy it is to slip into that downward spiral that can end with you being on the streets."

The "catalogue of catastrophes" could include losing a job or home, or marriage breakdown.

"It takes groups like this, who don't just serve tea, coffee and bacon, but smiles and supportive friendship, to give the people that boost and get them out of that decline," said the MP.

Arun District Council chairman Graham Tyler presented a 5,000 cheque on behalf of the council to help with the breakfast club running costs. Tesco has contributed 1,500 and further support has come from Littlehampton Town Council.

Town mayor Dr James Walsh said of HOMElink: "It's an extraordinary example of practical Christianity in action in this town."

* The breakfast club for homeless people is open from 8.30-11am, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, with breakfasts, price 50p, served from 9-10.30.

* HOMElink, a project of the Littlehampton Churches Together group, needs more volunteers, particularly to help with its fund-raising gardening project. For more information telephone 01903 739669.