The Winter Night Shelter at Everyday Church

I’m by no means an authority on the issues surrounding homelessness and writing this post is in no way an indication of the level of input I’ve had in the running of the Night Shelter that Everyday Church has been playing a part in running this winter. 
But the other night, as I helped out with the weekly night slot (Sunday nights throughout December and January at Everyday Wimbledon), I witnessed something that I was very much challenged and humbled by. 
The Yellow Printshop in Southfields, learning about the Night Shelter and our involvement as a church, gave me a large donation of warm clothing for our homeless guests to benefit from, during these cold months. Having unpacked the large bags, we invited the men (via a Polish interpreter) to take their pick of the various items – and many duly obliged! 
One man, who I’d rather not name, was hesitant. He had picked up a jumper and I had to tell him a few times that he was completely welcome to take it and, if required, as many items as he needed. 
Are you sure?’ he replied. ‘I don’t want to be greedy.’
As you go about your Christmas traditions, that usually involve a lot of comfort and consuming, please take a moment to pause and remember his amazing example. I hope our Christmases can all be shaped in some way, by the example of a homeless, penniless man, who showed more gratitude and consideration than I have probably demonstrated for a very long time. 
For the second year in a row, I feel like my time helping at the Night Shelter has left a greater mark on me than that which I have left on it. It’s honestly such a great blessing to be able to serve at such a practical initiative – where food, warmth and washing facilities are provided to a bunch of people who are in a place of great need at the moment.
– Adam Bream (Everyday Difference @Everyday Southfields)