“You have to heal the wounds...

 

“And you have to start from the ground up.”

By Mary Sample, Support team member from St Anne’s, Edgehill

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At last year’s Archdiocesan Synodal Council meeting, Archbishop John Sherrington spoke about social deprivation, the call to serve those with no rights, no space and no freedom, and the invitation of the Pope that our synodal pathway for mission include and reach the poorest and weakest in the community. In many ways, those words echo the daily lives of those experiencing homelessness in our region.

 

But hope is present in the Archdiocese of Liverpool through Action for Homeless Liverpool. Founded by Martin Atherton, a parishioner of Saint Teresa of Avila, St Helens, their work is a living example of what Pope Francis hoped for when speaking of “the Church as a field hospital after battle”.

 

“You have to heal the wounds,” he added. “And you have to start from the ground up.”

 

Four days a week in Williamson Square, you will see Action for Homeless’ gazebo and team of volunteers offering drinks and sandwiches to anyone in need of something to eat. Clothing and other essentials are also available. A nurse makes regular visits to tend sores, infections, and other conditions resulting from addiction and deprivation. Recently, a barber began providing haircuts. All of this is thanks to the hard work and compassion of staff and volunteers at a charity supported by a group of parishioners at St Anne’s Parish, Edge Hill.

 

Asked what motivates his commitment to the homeless, Martin says “faith”. Glancing at the casualties of a harsh society clustered about his stall, he adds: “This is my church.”

 

In confidence, Martin conducts interviews where service users can seek advice, request material support, or simply unburden themselves to a sympathetic listener who recognises their personal dignity. He enables those who find it too painful to undergo scrutiny in an official agency to take the first steps onto the pathway towards accommodation and support. Few have seen more of the frustration and despair associated with homelessness, yet Martin betrays no emotion but a steady professional efficiency, stemming from an unshakeable passion for the welfare of the poorest of the poor.

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Having no fixed abode means much more than having no roof over your head. The lived experience for many without homes is that it often feels you no longer count as a person. You find it hard to get medical attention. Making and attending appointments is difficult, especially if your phone has been stolen – a common occurrence. Without the facilities to stay clean and presentable, you are made to feel unwelcome and viewed with suspicion. Within a few days of living on the street, you become prey to drug dealers. Young people in particular are often vulnerable to traffickers.

 

The vicious cycle of misery fuels addiction, and Martin comments that rehabilitation services are not adequately available. Recent figures from Crisis showed that nine out of ten rough sleepers suffer abuse, half of them enduring serious physical assault. Those who gather at the stall are unanimous in gratitude, respect and affection. They are a community and they care for each other. Their personhood is restored.

 

Efforts to address homelessness are largely focused on prevention, and local Catholic charity Nugent has just announced the launch of Nugent Homes to provide homes for the most in need. However, winter raises major issues regarding the welfare of vulnerable people who currently live on the street. Last winter, St Anne’s provided tents that afforded shelter from the weather but, within days, eviction notices were issued and eventually many tents were seized by the city council.

 

To me, this is a clumsy approach to human catastrophe. Might our Church offer help to find safe spaces to allow rest to rough sleepers? Storage for Martin’s equipment has already been offered by the Quakers. As Archbishop John said, we should be helping those who have no rights, no space and no freedom. They are on our doorstep! To make a donation, visit www.actionforhomelessliverpool.co.uk/ take-action.