Community project to keep vulnerable warm this winter

The project launched on Tuesday at His Place Community Church, on Robertson Street, and allows people to drop off coats, hats, scarves and gloves they no longer want or need, and for people in need to pick up some winter woollies for free.

Observer chief reporter Maria Hudd said: “We shared a post on the Observer Facebook page a few weeks ago showing the scheme in operation in another area, and the response it got was so overwhelmingly positive, we decided to introduce a similar initiative here.

“Temperatures continue to drop and if we can help just one person stay a little bit warmer on the streets, then this has been worthwhile.

“If you have any old coats hanging in the back of your wardrobe, or any hats and gloves in the attic you no longer need, please think about bringing them down to His Place Community Church so they can be passed on to somebody in need.”

His Place Community Church is already running a number of schemes to help those in need. Reverend Chris Sears MBE said: “We have a voucher that can be used, so that anybody on the street that’s in need of help, in need of tea or coffee or something to eat, they can be given a voucher by someone who comes in and buys one.

“We don’t give money to folks on the street because it’s not a wise thing to do, but if somebody wants to help, they can come to us, we can sell you a voucher, and then the person is given the voucher and can come in and collect their food and drink.”

Vouchers will be available from next week in quantities of £2 for soup and a sandwich, or £1 for a hot beverage.

On Saturday, January 28 and Saturday, February 4, the church will open from 10pm to 4am for people who need a place to sit and relax after a night out on the town. It is part of a pilot that, if successful, could be rolled out across the country.

His Place Community Church is open 10am to 3pm every day except Wednesdays and Sundays.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.