Homelessness Memorial Service

Living on the Streets

We often talk about people “living on the streets,” those who occupy shop doorways, sheltered walkways, perhaps seen begging in town, carrying their belongings with them, and a whole lot more.

What contributes to someone ending up homeless is many and varied.

For some, their lives may emerge from a difficult childhood, moving through the care system, or it could happen later in life when something happens which begins a spiral of other events, maybe compounded by mental heath problems, addictions or dependencies of some kind.

For some people, the streets feel a safer place than than that which they once called home.

There are, of course, many expressions of homelessness, including those who live in temporary accommodation, residing in supportive living and hostels, or staying with friends.

There are individuals and families on the verge of homelessness because of financial problems or breakdown in a relationship.

For those of us who have never had to experience any of this, we can only imagine the challenges and difficulties, and listen to the experiences of others.

Dying in Homelessness

Sadly, there are many people who not only live in homelessness but die when they are homeless.

Once again, on Thursday 4 December, St Mary’s Church is privileged to work with the Salvation Army’s Ty Gobaith and The Choir with No Name (CWNN) to provide a space to remember all those who have died whilst homeless.

A space to remember

John Stark, the Chaplain at Ty Gobaith will be sharing some reflections, and inviting those present to place a star on the Christmas Tree with a name, message or memory of someone who has died.

Tŷ Gobaith is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, supported residential Lifehouse based in Cardiff for single adults over the age of eighteen years

It offers a safe, supportive environment for individuals, helping them to make positive choices about their current circumstances. It is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, supported residential Lifehouse based in Cardiff for single adults over the age of eighteen years.

The CWNN Cardiff will be sharing three songs from their repertoire. The choir is run in partnership with The Wallich, a leading homelessness and rough sleeping charity offering services across the majority of Wales.

The choir meets every Tuesday at 6pm at Butetown Community Centre for a cuppa, a sing, and a hot meal. There is no need to register – just turn up!

All Welcome

The Memorial Service has now become an annual event in Cardiff providing a welcoming and gentle space to recall and remember.

All are welcome to join us at St Mary’s Church, Bute Street on Thursday December 4th at 2pm. The service is followed by Tea, coffee and cake.