Esther Smith reminds us of the work of the charity Caring for Life
‘We’re never surprised by what we find behind closed doors; sad, but never surprised.’
That is how Caring For Life’s housing support manager describes what it is like to meet up with at-risk people newly referred to the charity in Leeds.
Despite the media’s inevitable focus on other issues, few can be unaware of the UK’s acute housing crisis. It is affecting people from most areas and circumstances. There has also been considerable media coverage of the roll out of Universal Credit and its impact on the ‘working poor’, amongst others. Is Britain The pre-publication draft of Fairer? (2018) by the Equality and Human Rights Commission states: ‘The picture is still bleak for the living standards of Britain’s most at-risk and “forgotten” groups of people, who are in danger of becoming stuck in their current situation for years to come. … UK-wide reforms to welfare and tax since 2010 continue to have a disproportionate impact on the poorest in society.’
Jesus’ love since 1987
Caring For Life (CFL) began to share the love of Jesus with ‘at-risk and forgotten’ people in early 1987, providing homes and ongoing support for homeless people. Maybe we shouldn’t be, but we are surprised by what God has done, yet we are sad, but never surprised, by the tidal wave of suffering we now encounter in the city of Leeds alone. People were falling through the net in 1987. Due to the housing crisis and austerity cuts, there is even less of a safety net now and, for those unable to seek employment, the bewildering storm of constant welfare reforms has pushed many over the edge into worsened mental health, even suicidal thinking, let alone poverty.
Behind closed doors we encounter people who may never have known any emotional security from their youngest years and who are totally alone in life. Such isolation, combined with predatory behaviour by others, and sometimes a learning disability that places them further at risk, often causes us to wonder how they have made it this far in life. Some have had to move home, sometimes cities, numerous times to escape slavery, physical or sexual abuse and financial predation.
Graham
Graham was referred to CFL’s Being There housing support team by the city’s housing department, who had become aware of his desperate financial situation. Raising a young son alone, Graham had fallen foul of the benefits system, being sanctioned because he could not meet their requirements, and going without food himself to ensure his son was fed. He is currently unable to work due to illness, but hopes to return to employment as soon as he is well enough.
At the time our team met him, Graham had received no benefits for several months, had used up all his savings and had no food left, even for his child. Living in a one -bedroom flat, Graham slept on the sofa in the lounge so that his son could have the bedroom. Graham wept when our staff returned with a generous food parcel from CFL’s food bank. The following day they came back again, this time with gifts for his son’s birthday. Graham was in tears, knowing he could now celebrate his son’s birthday with him.
Through all this, Graham had ensured his son could attend school and CFL is now focusing on helping Graham to tackle debts, rebuild his confidence and find a two-bedroom flat near his son’s school.
Martyn
Martyn was referred to CFL by a neighbourhood worker who was desperately worried about him. CFL’s Being There housing support team went to his flat to meet him and offer help. Martyn opened the door, dishevelled, struggling to make eye contact and appearing deeply anxious. But he invited them into his little flat. It contained a small sofa, no other furniture.
Martyn, aged just 22, was desperate for help and talked about his life in care, with no family contact. He was effectively hiding in his flat, avoiding others, struggling to care for himself in any way. Martyn couldn’t believe that Caring For Life is ‘for life’, and the team are gradually seeking to tackle all his issues.
Sue
Sue suffered a deeply abusive childhood. She felt utterly alone, didn’t care about herself or her surroundings and lived in a constant state of anxiety and physical chaos. Sue was so thankful when CFL began to support her.
Having been constantly preyed on by people who sought to take her money or invade her home, she is now learning to protect herself. Sue wanted to know what the Christian faith is all about and began to attend Bible studies at CFL, as well as going along to a local church. Sue is no longer preyed on, her home is immaculate and her longing to learn more about Jesus is wonderful to see.
Supported by the Lord’s people
Through one miracle after another, Caring For Life has been able to open two supported living homes, provide housing support in the community, and establish a range of therapeutic daytime activity projects to help people achieve a safer and more settled lifestyle. The therapeutic projects can make all the difference, effectively enabling isolated people to feel part of a ‘family’. Having no contracts or government support, Caring For Life is blessed to be supported by the Lord’s people. The prayers of Christian people undergird this ministry and its Christian basis and mission are unequivocal.
People living in deprived urban areas are being reached with the love of Jesus, demonstrated in utterly practical action. Several hundred have come to faith over the years. At this present time, growing numbers are attending the Bible studies offered by CFL, and are also attending local churches. Some have recently come to faith and are hungry to understand the Bible. The questions asked at the Bible studies come thick and fast; a challenge, but a blessing!
‘Christians, but they’re alright’
The fact that all those referred to CFL know it is a Christian organisation can sometimes lead to very direct comments on the first visit. One young lady recommended the CFL Being There housing support team to her friend, saying: ‘I think you should ask them for help. They’re all Christians up there, but they’re alright.’ When asked how we could help, one lady said: ‘Can you baptise me?’ She had been reading a Bible and had lots of questions for our staff, in addition to that opening one!
A gentleman was sitting with an open Bible on his knee when our staff made their first visit. He explained that he was getting lots of visits from Jehovah’s Witnesses, but he wasn’t too sure about what they were saying. He said: ‘I’ve got lots of questions for you’. He is now attending Bible studies run by the Being There housing support team, and is receiving help to unpick all his support needs, as well tackling his frequent questions about the Bible!
Caring For Life needs the prayers and support of the Lord’s people to continue its ministry. Please contact CFL to find out more, and discover how you can help us on the frontline of this specifically Christian work.
CFL can be contacted at 0113 2303600 or info@caringforlife.co.uk
