London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) Our service prioritizes mothers with young children, ensuring they are taken to the front of the queue. Additionally, we extend this priority to the elderly and disabled visitors. Most of our visitors are very accepting of this policy. This Christmas, the staggering reality is that over 139,000 children will experience homelessness—an alarming increase of over 14% from last year.According to official government data, a distressing record has been set this year, with 300,000 people registered as homeless in the UK—the highest figure since records began.

You can contribute to easing the hardships of homelessness by supporting BACA’s Meals for the Needy project this Christmas.

As the festive season approaches, our hearts are drawn to the poignant reality of the homelessness crisis gripping our nation. Yet, for the dedicated volunteers at the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), the ‘Meals for the Needy’ project has been a steadfast commitment from our beginning.

A Journey of Compassion

Rooted in the early years when BACA emerged as a protest group against the persecution of Pakistani Christians, our journey also expanded into local outreach programs and vibrant community events. From borough-wide free community barbecues to the Redbridge Easter Parade and monthly festivals, we connected with our community, offering free food, prayer tents, and fellowship spaces for sharing with Christians. The spark for our ‘Meals for the Needy’ project ignited at one such event, conceived by Hannah Chowdhry at the tender age of 15 and brought to life at 16.  Read more (here).

Making a Difference, One Meal at a Time

Today, our project stands as a beacon of compassion, serving over 50 homeless and needy individuals three days a week. We provide not just meals, but also essential items like toiletries and clothing. The stories shared in the national media, from an 8-year-old homeless child questioning Santa’s reach (click here) to a woman recounting a harrowing experience under a pier in Blackpool (click here), underscore the challenges faced by the homeless community.

Things can get busy but our volunteers have learned to cope.

Navigating a Changing Landscape

In a time where affordable housing is scarce and government initiatives fall short, the cost of providing temporary shelter has surged from £1.2 billion to £1.9 billion. The need for a new strategy is evident, especially as UK government figures project a 14% increase in homeless children this Christmas, contributing to a total homeless figure surpassing 300,000.

Over 50 visitors attend our Meals for the Needy project three days a week.

Joining Hands for Change

In our small yet impactful way, we are dedicated to alleviating the pain of homelessness in the Borough of Redbridge, where the issue is visibly escalating. You can be a part of this transformative journey by contributing to our cause. Your donation, no matter the amount, enables us to expand our reach and assist more people in need. Every contribution plays a vital role in making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing the harsh realities of homelessness.

How You Can Help

Join us in being a beacon of hope this Christmas. Donate now (click here) and empower us to do more, reaching out to those in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring warmth and nourishment to those who need it most. Every donation is a step towards a brighter, more compassionate future.