Team Spotlight: Clare
One of a series highlighting members of our team.
Can you share a bit about your role within Inn Churches and what it entails?
As part of my role at Inn Churches I help coordinate our homeless Winter Shelter. Churches across Bradford open up their doors for a week at a time. Our guests are given a hot meal, a bed and breakfast every day for a week. This provides them with a warm and friendly space over the winter months.
What inspired you to get involved?
I have volunteered with Inn Churches for around 15 years at different churches offering my time. I consider myself extremely lucky to have landed my dream job doing something I am so passionate about.
Why did you get involved all those years ago?
I have always, for as long as I can remember, wanted to work helping the homeless and families struggling with poverty. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than making somebody’s life a little easier by what we do at Inn Churches.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are involved and excited about?
Yes! It’s not a new project, but I am involved in our Acts 435 support. Acts 435 is an online giving charity directly connecting those who want to give with those who are in genuine need of their help, through a network of local churches and charities. Inn Churches have been an Acts 435 advocate for nearly as long as we’ve both been running. The work they do fits well within the welfare aspect of my role.
What is the best part of your job at Inn Churches?
I find that when our guests are moved on from our shelter into their own accommodation it’s just simply amazing to see. We are able to help our guests with starter packs that include bedding, pots and pans etc. to help get them started into making a home for themselves.
If you could have a superpower to aid your work within Inn Churches what would it be and why?
If I could provide anything at all it would be a safe, warm and peaceful place for everyone to live while having enough food to eat along with their families.
Finally – if you could swap roles with another team member for a day, who would it be and why?
If I could swap places with someone I work with for a day it would definitely be Juli, our CEO. How she manages to spin so many plates is absolutely beyond me while staying perfectly calm and composed.
For more information about our welfare work please contact Clare on clare@innchurches.co.uk.
