There are over 500 homeless in the Worthing area in any one year and numbers are increasing. Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP) provides points of contact, food, facilities (washing, laundering, clothing), accommodation and support for the single homeless. The organisation is the result of an initiative by churches of all denominations, originally providing a soup and sandwiches service to rough-sleepers back in 1991. Since then it has grown and is recognised as the primary provider in the area meeting the needs of the homeless. Breakfasts, the only meal of the day for many, is produced at St Clare's Day Centre where contact is also made with the WCHP Community Link Team. Individual problems can be examined and assessed and appropriate action taken - either by WCHP or other agencies. There are currently 2 WCHP hostels providing accommodation, a Direct Access Hostel and 'Stepping Stones' medium stay hostel which provides accommodation and support for those at a less chaotic stage in their lives. Overall, WCHP provides direct practical help and friendship to those who most need it – a 365 day a year commitment. A soup and sandwiches run to rough sleepers in sea-front shelters is still provided daily by our volunteers.

Our Vision-

Worthing Churches Homeless Projects is not an evangelical organisation but exists to bear witness to God's love through serving the homeless and vulnerable:
to offer practical support to the homeless and vulnerable;
to empower clients to achieve more fulfilling lives
to develop local awareness and action around the issues contributing to homelessness
To offer equal access to our service regardless of gender, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin, educational status, criminal record or disability.

Programmes and Activities-

St. Clare's Day Centre:
Drop-in for advice and information; daily breakfasts, hot evening meals (Sunday and Wednesday), showers, laundry facilities. Structured activities focussing on life skills and Triage assessments by the WCHP Community Link Team comprising mental health, substance misuse, and resettlement workers. Late afternoon soup and sandwiches run.
Direct Access Hostel:
For single adults aged 18 plus seeking emergency accommodation. There is a strict 'no alcohol, no drugs' policy. Length of stay 4 - 6 weeks. Booking through Community Link Team (St. Clare's) or, out of hours, approach the Hostel direct.
Stepping Stones Project:
Supported accommodation for single adults aged 18 plus for a minimum of 3 months. Licence agreements are bound to individual support plans targeting short, medium and long-term goals.
Associated support providers:
'Welcome In' medical team - (Salvation Army) clinic
A&E Social Work team, Worthing Hospital
Addaction substance misuse advice and support centre (co-located with St. Clare's)