Special service this weekend to remember those who have died while being homeless on Wrexham’s streets

People who have died while being homeless on the streets of Wrexham will be remembered during a special church service in the town this weekend.

The names of 12 people who have died in the last year in the area will be read out during a service to mark Homeless Sunday at St Giles Church on 13 October.

Those who work with people who are homeless and those who volunteer will be thanked as part of the service, which will be led by the Vicar of Wrexham, Revd Dr Jason Bray with Wrexham Poet, Evrah Rose, performing a specially written poem for the occasion.

Homeless Sunday comes as preparations are underway to re-open the church and community night shelter in locations across Wrexham.

Last winter, up to ten people every night were offered a hot meal, a warm welcome and a safe night’s sleep during the coldest months of the year.

The engagement officer for the Diocese of St Asaph, Sarah Wheat, who has been seconded to the charity Housing Justice Cymru to coordinate the shelter this year, said: “I hope as many churches as possible will join with us to mark Homeless Sunday.

“It’s an opportunity to remember those who have nowhere safe to call home and consider how we can help.

“During the service, we’ll be reading out the names of 12 people who’ve died on the streets of Wrexham over the last year as a result of being homeless. We will also be giving thanks for all those who work with or volunteer to support those who are homeless.”

Homeless Sunday has been part of the Christian calendar for more than a quarter of a century. It is an opportunity for churches of all denominations and people of all faiths to unite and show solidarity with those experiencing homelessness and to reflect and plan practical action on homelessness.

The focus this year is ‘The impact of volunteering on the volunteer’, apt as Christians and church communities are at the forefront of the response to the rise in homelessness including the most visible aspect, rough sleeping.

All forms of homelessness have increased by 4% since 2017. There are around 320,000 families homeless in Britain. Roughly 36 households become homeless every day. In Wales the picture is mixed but shows a general upward trend year on year for both homelessness and rough sleeping.

Sarah added: “We’re aiming to open the Night Shelter after Christmas and are seeking volunteers to support our guests throughout their stay. We’ll be providing training to those wishing to volunteer for the first time and a refresher course for those who’ve supported us previously.”

More information about the night shelter and training dates can be found at https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/faith-in-action/

The service to mark Homeless Sunday on 13 October takes place at 3pm at St Giles Church in Wrexham. Everyone is welcome