Almost 40 people in need of support used drop-in centre in February

Graih Ministries takes over work of supporting homeless or vulnerable

Almost 40 people sought help from a drop-in centre in February which aims to support those who are homeless or in need on the Isle of Man.

Graih Ministries served 236 meals over 27 days last month from the Alpha Centre.

Located next to Broadway Baptist Church, in Douglas, the building provides hospitality, support and friendship to whoever comes through the door.

It’s open six days a week between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Friday and between 12.30pm and 2pm on a Sunday.

Andy Feather is the Homeless Ministry team leader:

The offering from Graih Ministries builds on that offered by its predecessor Graih – an independent charity, set up in 2008, which worked from the centre.

Until September last year Graih had also offered an emergency night shelter for those who found themselves without a roof over their head.

But it shut down its operations citing ‘challenging circumstances’ and ‘growing pressure’ on staff resources with Graih Ministries stepping in to take over the work of the daily drop-in.

And it’s the void of the night-time facility which has hit the headlines recently after the High Bailiff described the absence of a shelter as ‘very regrettable’.

At the time the chair of the Housing and Communities Board told Manx Radio government was using bed and breakfast accommodation to house people who were in need as a short-term fix.

Chris Thomas said work was ongoing to finalise a ‘strategic partnership’ which will provide the emergency provision which is needed:

The work of the drop-in centre is entirely funded by Broadway Church and supported by volunteers.

Andy told Manx Radio partnership working is key to helping those who’ve found themselves in difficult times establish a more stable footing.

In February they worked with 12 other agencies to help people access food, housing and healthcare:

You can find more information about the drop-in HERE.