Street Outreach
The work of Barnabus began on the streets, the ministry owing the unique spelling of its name to one of the original outreach vehicles, a double-decker bus. Today the bus has been replaced by three Mercedes Sprinter vans each uniquely renovated to fulfil distinct purposes. The first is a kitchen unit which is used to distribute food and drinks, hot and cold to men and women who are homeless or destitute. Visitors can also access blankets, sleeping bags, clean clothing and 'dignity packs' which contain a basic set of toiletries to enable our friends to maintain good personal hygiene.
The second vehicle has been adapted to function as a mobile drop-in centre. Initially used as our main outreach vehicle for the red light district, it now serves alongside the kitchen unit as the base for our volunteer medical professionals. Accessing basic medical care can be difficult for those with no fixed abode. The team provides basic advice, first aid and referrals throughout the year as well as flu vaccinations in the winter. The third vehicle is also used as a mobile drop-in centre but has been renovated so that it may serve as a multi purpose vehicle with enough space inside to transport donated items to and from our boutique in South Manchester. During the evenings this van travels around the red light district providing a safe space for the women involved in prostitution to relax and enjoy a hot drink and some food.
From the stationary vehicles small teams go out walking the streets to make contact with solitary individuals who dislike the busy atmosphere of the vans. The regular route travelled by these teams ensures that the hardest to reach receive the same service as those who have the confidence to come to the vans.
Evening outreach to the homeless community in Manchester is available each night with Barnabus holding the responsibility for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The work Barnabus undertakes in the evenings is, at its heart, about sharing the love of Christ through helping to meet the needs, both practical and emotional, of those with whom we come into contact.
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