Torbay Methodist Churches, Devon, UK

Hostel built on a
sure foundation

Roots in Christian faith and
a supportive community

WITH the new hostel taking shape, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the work of the Friends of Factory Row over the last 12 years.

We were founded in 1996 not just to raise money to keep the hostel open, but also to be its advocates.  Rough sleepers face open prejudice, often because people don’t understand the issues that lead to homelessness.  Over the years we have accepted every invitation to talk about our work and increase understanding of this most marginalised group of people.

When new members come along to events at the hostel, meet with residents, they leave with a whole new understanding.  Building bridges between the hostel and the community has been at the heart of our work.

Our membership in recent years has held steady at about 200 people drawn from not just from this area but further afield.  We have welcomed members of every denomination and none.

Through the dedication and strength of our membership we have offered practical support.  Currently, a team of volunteers cooks up a buffet of homemade food for a fortnightly feast at the hostel.  It’s not just the food which the residents appreciate – it’s that someone cares enough to provide it.

The Friends have also co-ordinated regular prayer meetings, inviting local clergy to see the hostel and lead devotions.  Once again such invitations builds bridges between the hostel and the local community.

Some  residents self-define as Christian and have found strength and encouragement in the prayer life of the hostel.  Staff too appreciate “time-out” to reflect.

If a resident has a birthday while staying at the hostel, the Friends ensure they get a card and present to open.  At Christmas everybody gets one, a shoebox of goodies wrapped up together with a handmade card.  Last year’s were made by local school children.

The highlight of our year is the Friends of Factory Row Christmas Carol Concert.  For the last five years the Westland School Choir have sung their hearts out and residents have shared their stories.  It has been a time when people of every background and age have come together.  We have also welcomed staff from Project 58 (now Shekinah Torbay).

So where do we go in the future?  The strength of the Factory Row hostel, which has been through some pretty turbulent times, has been its community roots.  Whether with money, prayers or words of support, local people and South Devon churches have sustained it.

We hope through the work of the Friends, to deepen our towns’ sense of ownership of the Factory Row hostel, and take pride in a house built with Christian love.

NICK PANNELL (Chairman of the Friends of Factory Row)