As with all large cities, Birmingham has many people who, for multiple reasons, find life very hard. For some, homelessness is just one symptom, but a significant one, of the complex life issues they are facing.
Birmingham City Mission's Care Centre has been opening its doors to homeless and marginalised people for decades. While some are rough sleepers or in hostels, others have their own accommodation. A large proportion struggle with addiction and mental health issues and have lives that can be chaotic and isolated. Many are simply lonely, cold, and hungry and looking for a place where they feel accepted.
A typical day
One of BCM's Care Centre support workers, Kevin Williams, described his thoughts as he prepares for a typical day: 'Who will come and in what mood? Who will visit for the first time? What problems will they be facing in their lives? How will God work this time? When clients arrive, some are in a real state because of drug or drink sessions. Some are desperate, living on the streets. Some come regularly and are not homeless but looking for certainties and regularity. They come because the Care Centre is a place they can socialise and talk if they want to. Perhaps they want to play Scrabble or complete a jigsaw. Others come for food and drink.'
