The Corner House

Could you play a part in the restorative journey of those seeking to turn the corner from life on the street?

The Corner House offers short-term supported accommodation to help men turn the corner from rough-sleeping. This ministry is based above our Webber Street day centre, and provides a home for those currently homeless for up to six months, without the need to access public funds.

Joining the Corner House means joining a community of men who are on a journey of restoration. The men here are ready to start a new chapter, receive support and make lasting changes as they turn from homelessness and addiction.

We are here to provide that safe home environment they need, that allows the men to rediscover their identity and have the space to find their feet again. Daily meals and weekly Bible studies are authentically tied with sharing lives together, and sharing the hope of Jesus’s life and restoration in the gospel.

What part could you play?

We invite to you to be part of this restorative journey in the lives of those recovering from a life on the street. A volunteer can choose from four types of shifts that enables the men to get to know you and build a community of friendship and trust. Volunteering as a ‘Befriender’ requires commitment at least once a month in one of the following capacities.

your involvement

Evening Befriender 19:00-21.30

Volunteering over an evening as a Befriender looks like preparing dinner for the residents and spending time with them over an evening meal and after-dinner activities. This can be very rewarding as you develop relationships and help to build a community of trust and friendship.

Sunil – Head chef says;

“In my day job I’m a head chef. Serving with the Corner House means I can use my gift… I can actually communicate more by serving six dishes than hundreds! The connection with Corner House allows me to be myself as a member of the body of Christ.”

Overnight Befriender 19:00 (or 21:30)-08:00

Volunteering overnight as a Befriender can include the evening tasks of cooking, clearing up and joining in the evening activities, but particularly being available throughout the night for the residents, should any needs arise. You also act as a safeguard checking all the residents are in and out at the agreed times. It’s a fulfilling experience to spend extended time with the residents and is invaluable for building the relationships that support this restorative journey.

Tania speaks of her experience as a Befriender;

“Despite being quite an introvert, I’ve had a good time serving at the Corner House! It’s great catching up with familiar faces who I wouldn’t usually cross paths with. Whilst we support the men toward more permanent housing, I’m glad we can point to Jesus and the room prepared for us in our Father’s eternal house.”

Morning Befriender 07:30-08:00

This is a great opportunity for volunteers in the area to come before work to join or lead the morning devotional. Every morning before breakfast we provide an opportunity for the residents to hear from the Bible. It’s a great chance to go deeper with existing relationships and encourage each other in the hope that Jesus offers.

On call

A Befriender available ‘on call’ is needed in case unexpected cover is required for an overnight shift. This will mean being on a list of people who we call around when we are short-staffed, rather than a regular scheduled shift.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for Christians who have a heart for those on the margins of society and long to see them restored as part of a community again.

A volunteer Befriender will love connecting with others on a personal level through friendship and trust. They will be servant-hearted and willing to use their gifts to communicate the goodness and grace of God.

Our Befrienders come from many walks of life, backgrounds and church traditions, and we want to make the best use of your gifts. Perhaps you have a passion for cooking and can help prepare meals for the residents; maybe you have a gift of listening and coming alongside others; maybe you have the skills to help the men with their CVs.

We will find a time that fits with your schedule, either an evening, overnight or just an hour before work. You will be fully supported by a full-time ministry leader and a team of staff.

APPLY NOW

So, could God be calling you to get involved in what he is doing at the Corner House?

If so, download and complete the application form, and email it to pancho.miller@lcm.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!

Download the application form
Download

get in touch
if you would like to enquire about serving at The Corner House, or to sign up for our newsletter, complete this form

Thank you
We will be in touch soon.

Your data will be kept securely and in line with our privacy policy. If at any time you no longer want to receive these, just get in touch with our friendly supporter partnership team. For more information on how we use your data, please visit lcm.org.uk/privacy.