Croydon homeless shelter

It was an interesting night last night helping out in a homeless shelter in Croydon, London in the UK. There were fourteen male cleints and as many helpers. It was the second week of the 'floating shelter' that runs from November through til March during the colder months of the year in the UK. Floating because every night the shelter is provided by a different church across the London Borough of Croydon. The homeless have to crisscross the Croydon area to the shelter for the following night. They can get a travel card to save them the £4.40 to catch 2 buses. One of the clients did have one for the following day and was appealing to the organisers to help him get a new Oyster card. There was one gentleman who did not speak English. One of the organisers had emailed in advance to his congregation and had 5 people volunteer within 24 hours to come down as an interpreter or translator into Polish. It was interesting to see the paperwork for benefits this gentleman had received via a Salvation Army address but was unable to read and understand or speak to them by phone. They had a three course dinner and warm night.