Chichester’s homeless served ‘best breakfast in the country’ thanks to charity’s volunteers and donors

Chichester HEART for Homeless usually operates out of church halls and buildings across the city, but its operations have had to change to allow for social distancing.

In March, HEART centralised all operations to city-centre church St Pancras, where it has been serving takeaway cooked breakfasts, hot drinks and packed lunches every day.

Dan Slatter, HEART trustee ,said: “At a time when most church buildings are closed, it’s been incredible to see the churches of the city pull together to keep St Pancras’ doors open to provide food to some of the neediest in our society.”

O’Hagan’s Sausages has supplied more than 3,000 of its award-winning, handcrafted local sausages and sausage meat to serve at the breakfasts, and Goodwood Farm Shop has donated bread and organic milk which has allowed the charity to provide hot drinks and fresh sandwiches every day.

A1 Domestic Appliances has also donated a freezer which has enabled HEART to store its food stocks.

HEART volunteer Chris Spink said: “O’Hagan’s Sausages have been unbelievably generous. From day one of the lockdown, they have provided a constant supply of sausages. The homeless community in Chichester must have the best breakfast in the country.”

Guests have also been able to receive advice and support from the charity’s outreach worker, Tom Mawer; collect donations of toiletries; pick up vouchers for the Chichester and District Food Bank and be directed to additional support when needed.

Chichester churches joined forces in 2017 to form HEART, which stands for Homeless Empowerment and Relational Transformation, to provide a safe place where members of the homeless community can come, know that they can get a hot meal, and chat to someone with no pressure or risk of being judged.

The charity plans to continue operating at St Pancras for the foreseeable future and thanked all who have made donations and given support so far.

For more information visit the HEART website at www.heartchichester.church or find it on Facebook.

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