Coming in from the cold

Colin’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of kindness, faith, and community. And your gift helps make this happen.

When Colin lost his father, he also lost his home. He’d spent a year living in a tent, struggling to hold down his job when a friend introduced him to his local Place of Welcome, It was there that Colin was offered hot food, shelter, activities and a chance to get involved.

Places of Welcome embraced him with warmth and love, and practical support. He got access to basic services like charging his phone so that he could keep in touch with his case worker to find temporary housing. He found a new church family which he describes as ‘a Godsend’ and rediscovered his sense of purpose. Colin was baptised, and told us: ‘This is my church. This has become my new family,’

Colin now volunteers himself, and reflects: "They’ve helped me, so now I want to help them. I’m making progress – a step here, a step there, moving forward." His life has become a journey of small, yet significant steps, filled with new hope and a new vision.

CUF-supported Places of Welcome, which exist across the country, offer a sanctuary for everyone; people of all faiths and none, wherever they are on their journey.

That’s what your donations to CUF enable – that wonderful turnaround of a person who was once excluded not only being welcomed into a loving community but also being able to help others. It’s a powerful demonstration of what your gifts make possible.

Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”