Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔlessness and the Church

New homelessness figures are out this week, there's controversy over tents in Cardiff. How should we respond to the issues and what is the role of churches?

The latest figures on homelessness in Wales will be published this week, at a time when increased numbers of homeless people on the streets have caused both concern and controversy. A Cardiff councillor attracted fury for demanding that the council tear down the tents of rough sleepers in the city centre, insisting that there is adequate safe provision for anyone who needs it: she was suspended by her group, but reinstated after a few days.

The cold weather means that the plight of those sleeping outdoors is particularly precarious: all kinds of voluntary groups provide warm clothing and hot food - and sometimes places to sleep. And churches often act together to make a significant contribution.

But it’s not a straightforward situation: what needs to be done? Why do faith communities feel a particular responsibility? And how should we react as individuals to the people we may pass every day?

Joining Roy Jenkins to discuss this are:

Yvonne Connolly, Area Manager for the Salvation Army's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔlessness Services Unit for Wales and the South West of England; Sharon Lee, Director of Housing Justice Cymru, a charity advising churches across Wales; and Peter Hall from Gateway Church Centre, whose night shelter provides showers, meals, and daycare to homeless people in Abergavenny.

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 3 Feb 2019 09:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 3 Feb 2019 09:00

Podcast