A practical and compassionate response to rough sleeping across the city

 
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“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the churches this winter”

FORMER GUEST

 

Who we are

CCHP exists to help the churches of Cambridge and a synagogue to compassionately engage with and support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our city. 

We are volunteers from the faith community and the wider community who want to show love to our neighbour in a practical way.

We work in partnership with the various agencies in the city.

We are a small charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) employing one part-time Volunteer Coordinator and one part-time Chaplaincy Worker.

And we believe that in 2024 no-one should be without a roof over their head.

 
 

“The growing challenge of homelessness in our society is one of the great scandals of our time. Christian communities, recognising the immeasurable value of every individual, must continue to witness to the dignity of the homeless, to serve their needs, and to challenge society to confront a situation which is shameful for a wealthy nation and a prosperous city.”

Dr. Rowan Williams | former patron, CCHP

 
 

What we do

We aim to be a model of caring, supportive chaplaincy to the homeless community, and to train, equip and educate more people to get involved in our work of building up relationships and dismantling stigmas and social isolation. 

“When I was homeless and in hostels, I just wanted someone to be with me.”

“Nine times out of ten, I just want a conversation… the loneliness is the worst thing.”

We are rooted in a desire to be with people, as God was with us in Christ.

We offer a warm bed, a good meal and a listening ear for rough sleepers during the coldest months of the year.

We do not exist in isolation but work in partnership with the statutory services and homeless charities to ensure the work of CCHP complements existing work and does not compete or cut across other services.

CCHP takes referrals from people who are sleeping rough; guests cannot refer themselves but must be referred from one of our partner agencies (eg Wintercomfort, Jimmy’s, Cambridge Street and Outreach Mental Health Team etc).


 
 

Who is involed?

The night shelter runs because of the involvement of many different people and groups and is almost entirely run by volunteers. We are reliant and incredibly grateful for the many people who give of their time, money or expertise each year.

See our ‘About Us’ section for more information.


 
 

Core values

The core values, ethos and behaviours of the Cambridge Churches Homeless Project are rooted in and sustained by the Christian faith which is characterised by a commitment to social justice, bringing hope, building community, celebrating diversity, and showing compassion and reconciliation. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, language, colour or sexual orientation.

We welcome guests, volunteers and partners from all faiths and none asking that they reflect these core values.

CCHP promotes participation and co-production; several former guests have gone on to work as volunteers.

CCHP is committed to ensuring those with lived experience are represented at Trustee level.


 
 

Contact us

If your query relates to volunteering this winter, please note that the online form for registration is now open! Please visit our ‘Volunteer’ section for more info or register directly via this link: https://forms.office.com/e/pt7k8z5caL

Please email us at info@cchp.org.uk or complete the form below:

Registered address

CCHP
PO Box 1454
CAMBRIDGE
CB1 0LG

Charity Commission number 1174768