More than just a meal

Neill Shaw describes how churches offer more than just physical nourishment to those in need.

MANY people find themselves struggling due to circumstances beyond their control – job loss, family breakdown or housing issues.

In this series, we’re sharing stories of individuals who have found support, community, and a sense of belonging through the church. Keith’s journey has been one of hardship, resilience and the search for stability. His story speaks to the challenges of homelessness, past trauma and the importance of finding a place where he feels safe and valued.

When Keith stopped working, life quickly became difficult. “I found it really stressful, there was a lot of trouble with the family,” he says. “I found it hard to trust people, but the staff and volunteers were really welcoming and took me in.” Initially, Keith came to the church for food, but he soon discovered much more than just a meal – he found connection and support. “I wouldn’t have called myself homeless, as I had friends to stay with and places I could go – I was between houses.”

Keith’s early years were difficult. “When I was 12 years old, I stayed on the street because I got kicked out of the family house,” he shares. His mother had remarried, and his stepfather was abusive.

“He would beat us up, and eventually, when I stood up to him, I got thrown out.” Placed in and out of children’s homes, Keith fell in with a dangerous crowd. “By the time I was 19, I was working with drug dealers. I suppose you would consider me a gangster, although for me it was just a way to survive.”

Things changed when he met someone, moved away, and started a family. “I was working in construction, and things were going really well.” But when he lost his job due to issues with the business, his life took a downturn. “My partner left me at that point and took the kids, and from there, it’s felt like chaos.” Now, although his children are grown, he struggles with their absence. “Some of my kids even have kids, but I’ve not even seen my grandchildren. I sometimes see my children in town, but I don’t talk to them – I suppose I am scared to.” He hopes that one day, they might approach him. “I want to have that bond with them again but I don’t know how.”

Keith has been working hard to turn his life around. “Coming to places like the church here has really helped with that. It feels like a family here; there is a closeness – it feels like I am wanted.” But life has not been easy. After saving for years to leave something behind for his children, Keith was recently the victim of crime. “Everything I had saved up to buy was stolen. I was saving up for my children’s inheritance – even though I don’t see them, I wanted them to have something when I passed; something to remember their dad with. Now it’s all gone.”

Housing has also been a challenge. His last flat was condemned due to severe flooding and mould, forcing him into temporary accommodation. “The council moved me from house to house: eight addresses in four months. It’s been hell.” Now, Keith is in what’s supposed to be a short-term tenancy, but he doesn’t know how long he’ll be there for. “The flat I’m in now has electric heating that works when it wants to, sockets hanging off the walls, dampness, wallpaper peeling. But at least I have a roof over my head; it could be worse.”

For Keith, the church has become a place of refuge. “There are a lot of people like me, and homeless people too, who come in here for a heat, for something to eat, to chat and make friends. It’s brilliant.” He comes several times a week, helping in the garden, sharing meals, and building friendships. “Getting something to eat here and speaking to people makes a big difference.”

“ This place is the heartbeat of the community. I rely on places like this to keep me warm, to keep me fed. Without here, I don’t know what I’d do.

Keith has also faced violence.

“I was assaulted in the street recently. I had a punctured lung, broken ribs. The person who did it pled guilty and is back walking about the streets. I see him sometimes.” Despite this, he remains focused on moving forward. “Mentally, it’s been good for me here. I’ve never really opened up before, and I feel I can do that. I feel safe – after everything I’ve been through, it’s good to feel safe here.”

Faith is something Keith has wrestled with over the years. “I think I have always had faith, but I walked away from it because I didn’t feel welcome.” Now, he’s reconnecting. “They’ve started up a Bible class here, and I used to really enjoy doing that when I was younger, so I am looking forward to it starting.” Although he has questioned his faith, he’s glad to have found a way back. “It’s good to be back in church and have a chance to get close to God again.”

For Keith, the church is more than a place to go, it’s a lifeline. “This place is the heartbeat of the community. I rely on places like this to keep me warm, to keep me fed. Without here, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Listening to Keith brought home to me again what the church is called to be: a place of refuge, healing, and belonging. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus says: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me.” The church community here has embodied that call, offering practical help, friendship and the space for people like Keith to rebuild their lives.

It shows how the love of Christ is made tangible – not just in words, but in action. Through the kindness of those around him, Keith has found hope, security and the beginnings of restoration.