Welcoming the stranger…

A Sheffield Christian charity is helping destitute asylum seekers do just that, by offering basic, temporary accommodation, pastoral support, and signposting to services which can help their guests get back on their feet.

The Open Hands Project started in 2007 when a group of Christians at St Thomas Philadelphia witnessed the difficult circumstances destitute asylum seekers were struggling with. Many, if their claims were refused by the Home Office, lost their accommodation and basic financial support and were not allowed to work or provide for themselves.

Chair of the charity, Jonathan Bennett, says he and his church small group at the time felt compelled to do something to help, and be part of the answer to the problems destitute asylum seekers faced.

He told Arise: “As Christians we are driven by God’s love to reach out to the least, the last and the lost. Destitute asylum seekers definitely fall into that category. And we feel that whatever your political views may be, we have a responsibility to care for the needy.

“The Bible says in Deuteronomy that God calls the people of Israel to treat the stranger with open hands - i.e. with generosity. And that’s what we seek to do.”

The charity – which has many of its guests referred to it by secular organisation Assist –currently runs three houses. A house manager, who volunteers for Open Hands, calls in at the property once a week, or once a fortnight, to check in with the guests to ensure all is well and to offer a listening ear.

Read more about the Open Hands Project - how it's supporting refugees, and how you can help - on the Arise Stories blog: scan the QR code below or visit bit.ly/arise-open-hands