The Christmas Roof 2000 Daily routine
West London Initiative on Single Homelessness

What happened at the Roof

Guests and volunteers settled quickly into a relaxed routine. Typically during each day, the lights went on at 07:30 and the building started to come to life as guests were gently woken.
Mattresses and bedding were put away and by 08:30 a full cooked breakfast was being enjoyed. The showers became increasingly busy and by mid morning guests and volunteers were enjoying reading newspapers; playing cards and other games; watching TV (there were 2 TV sets so that guests  had a choiceof what to watch).
Small groups formed as old friends met up and the air becames full with the sound of people talking.
Some worked enthusiastically with community artists and added to the decorations with some inventive art and craft pieces.

For those who wished, there were a variety of on-demand services:
A clothing store, with racks and boxes of clothing to choose from and a repairs /alterations service where necessary.
When people come to the ROOF they usually have to bring all their own belongings with them and we help by storing it for them. Luggage usually swells after a visit to the clothing store.
Haircutting, after which many guests were not only transformed physically but became more confident and relaxed.
As well as 24 hour first-aid, guests could obtain treatment and advice from a nurse or attend one of the regular doctor's surgeries		©Jim Four
©Jim Four An optician service was avilable with free prescription glasses.	Some guests visited our friendly dentist!
Housing and benefits advice were available after which some guests left the Roof to go to more permanent accomodation.

Thoroughout the mornings volunteers worked hard in the kitchen, under the direction of the chef (now content in his kitchen), preparing lunch.  At 1o'clock each day, this was brought into the main area where a queue had formed in anticipation.		©Jim Four
Guests came and went as they pleased, new arrivals turned up constantly and were welcomed at the gate by a small group of volunteers.

Sometimes we are lucky to have live entertainment, previously carol singers; a jazz band; an R&B band; a brass band; a gospel choir and solo artists have enhanced the festive atmosphere. Some performances take place in the afternoon but livlier acts occur after supper at 6.30 p.m, which is the main meal of the day . On Christmas day, supper is ealier as a full Christmas dinner is served. At around ten in the evening, beds were prepared by the volunteers and guests settled down for the night, by 11:00 the main lights were turned out and the hall quietened.			For the night owls a "wide awake area" was provided, where hot drinks, television and company were available until morning

As the Roof remained open 24 hours a day for the entire Christmas week, the volunteers worked in three shifts to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Many were involved in the activites above but some worked "behind the scenes" e.g. in the office, where phones are constantly ringing, transport to pick up futher supplies or deliver guests to hospital or accomodation is coordinated and the answers to numerous and varied questions are sought.

A good memory was needed by the volunteers working in the stores, where all bits like shoelaces, shoe polish, towels, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, disposable razors, shaving foam, toilet rolls, carrier bags, rubbish bags, plates, cups, etc., were found, as well as various equipment, most of which had been donated or lent to WISH by the public for the benefit of our guests. This all needed looking after so that it could be returned in good condition to the owners.

A team of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and people with a combination of practical skills worked not only during the set up but also during the Roof to keep the site running.

Last, but definitely not least, talking and listening to guests was one of the most valuable things volunteers did. Many homeless people feel very isolated, so the opportunity to sit and chat was invaluable.