Services that provide

  1. accommodation
  2.  support
  3.  transform the lives and
  4. restore the homeless people to better lives

Kent is one of the largest Boroughs in the UK that has a quite a number of people who are homeless. Many are malnourished, in need of medical help and support, but are unsure of who to turn to. The Bible speaks to us as Christians about our practical service for Christ. Jesus said “I was in prison and you visited me, I was homeless and you housed me”. Paul was “eager to help the poor” and John reminded us that, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

The myth of the “undeserving” homeless people

There are many people who feel that those who are homeless somehow deserve it, that they have bought this situation on themselves.

While this may be true for some, many that we meet have found themselves to be victim of circumstances. And once you’re on the street it’s very difficult to work and to find a way to get back on track in life and to have roof over your head again.

The reasons for homelessness are varied and include:

  • People who have lost their jobs and through a series of incidents now find themselves unable to find a place to live
  • Immigrants, many of which cannot speak English, that have been trafficked on the promise of jobs and homes which didn’t materialised
  • People with social and mental issues that lack proper care and support and now find themselves on the street.

Whatever the cause, Jesus always made it clear that in God’s eyes there are no undeserving people. We are all the object of His love and subject to His commandment of caring for those in need.

“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in”

Matthew Chapter 25 :36

Although there are local government and other charitable organisations seeking to address this problem, the reality is that some will still remain homeless over this coming winter as we have very limited organisations addressing this problem.

The aim of Gilgal is to work together with Green Pastures and other partners to “roll away the reproach of homelessness” in Kent and around the UK, to help with their basic needs and point them to agencies who can deal with the issues that keeps them on the street.

Our aims and objectives  can be summarized thus:

  1. To accommodate
  2. To support
  3. To transform the lives and
  4. To restore the homeless people to better lives