A fellowship of Kilmarnock churches are joining forces this winter to help those in need.
With the cost of living crisis and high fuel costs creating a desperate situation for those on low-incomes, East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHa) have created 'Warm Spaces in Safe Places'.
The initiative is aimed at those who cannot afford to heat their homes, are homeless or isolated.
The EACHa drop-in centre, based at New Laigh Kirk Halls, the Central Evangelical Church, the Howard Centre, Kilmarnock Baptist Church, Kay Park Church, St Matthew’s Church, St Joseph’s Church and the Salvation Army are all offering a warm space to come along and enjoy some refreshments, friendly conversation and other services.
Emma Wylie Springer, EACHa Project Co-ordinator, said: "It's a desperate time and some people we help actually choose to commit crimes at this time of year so they can go to prison.
"In prison, they know they'll get three meals a day and have a warm place to sleep until they're let out when the better weather comes in.
"It's really sad this service is needed, people in the community right now can't afford a hot meal or to turn on their heating.
"We offer a hot meal food and give food parcels to take away, the drop-in also helps organise other services like a hairdresser, oral health team, debt advice, housing help and we give out hygiene packs to those that need them.
"Those needing emergency housing sometimes walk into a place with nothing in it.
"We have around 30 housing referrals per month, one referral can mean multiple people, and we offer white goods and cleaning supplies. Recently we helped a Ukrainian family with four children.
"Each housing pack, including a microwave and toaster, is £179 but this is expected to rise due to the cost of living crisis.
"We'll never turn anyone away, you don't need to be referred you can just walk through our doors. We won't ask questions, we'll feed you and if you want to have a chat we're here for you.
"Please don't feel ashamed, we're all human and we've all needed help at some point. This is a judgement-free place and please reach out for help if you need it."
Emma is appealing for more volunteers to help the service keep going this winter.
She added: "It's terrifying for our guys and this winter coming people are going to die.
"During lockdown 13 service users died and in the last two weeks, we've lost another two. The cost-of-living crisis being so high and mental health in the pan, it's clear things will continue to get worse.
"I need a minimum of eight volunteers to open the centre and some days we just scrape by. I will not shut the drop-in if I can help it, and I'll feed people at the door as a last resort if I can't open the drop-in.
"If anyone is available on Mondays to volunteer a bit of their time to help us we'd really appreciate it and we're also accepting food donations."
Where to go?
The Well Café at the Howard Centre in Portland Road is open Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 2pm and from 12 to 2pm. Soup, filled rolls and daily specials are available at affordable prices.
Kilmarnock Baptist Church wellbeing cafe is a warm community space which is open every Thursday from 10.30am till 2pm.
East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHa) offers a free lunch, plus food parcels at their Community Friends sessions from 1 to 3 pm. on Mondays and Wednesdays in New Laigh Kirk’s halls in John Finnie Street. Please note, this facility cannot accept child visitors.
Kay Park Church Wednesday Café is open from 10am till 12 noon in London Road. In addition to tasty food, visitors can enjoy music, dominoes, board games and colouring books, catering for all ages.
St Matthew’s Church runs an East Ayrshire Foodbank every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6pm at Grassyards Road.
St Joseph’s Church Hall in Hill Street is the venue for Community Lunch on Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm. On Wednesdays from 11am to 12 noon there is a Foodbank with tea, coffee, biscuits and sandwiches.
The Salvation Army’s warm space is open from 10.30am to 3pm with free, unlimited tea and coffee. Soup and sandwiches are served between 11.30am and 1pm for an optional charge of £2.
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