Annual Report: 1996
West London Initiative on Single Homelessness

CHRISTMAS ROOF

WISH was able to offer clean clothes, washing facilities and three hot meals a day to all who came to us.  Other services the charity provided were doctor and dentist surgeries, first aid, chirpody, hairdressing, and benefit and housing advice.  During the week, live and televised entertainment was available as were as art and craft sessions and a sizeablel library of books and games.  Most importantly though, guests were able to live and talk in a relaxed, safe and non-threatening environment.

In 1996, despite having secured funding, recruited volunteers and received gifts of food, clothing, bedding, medical, dental and first aid equipment, by December 18th we were unable to confirm the use of a suitable building.  This meant that there was insufficent time to locate and prepare another building for the planned opening date of December 23rd.   WISH trustees and volunteers continued to seek ways to serve the street homeless of West London by taking services directly to them by means of a mobile service.  However, with so little time remaining, it proved impossible to arrange.