Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, has recorded a video message for Homeless Sunday, which takes place on Sunday 11th October 2020.
History of World Homeless Day and Homeless Sunday
World Homeless Day is an annual event on the 10th of October. The concept of ‘World Homeless Day’ emerged from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world. The Inaugural World Homeless Day was marked on the 10th of October 2010.
Since its founding, World Homeless Day has been observed on every continent except Antarctica, in several dozen countries. Use of the idea of ‘World Homeless Day’ is open for all to use, anywhere in the world.
Many churches in the UK celebrate Homeless Sunday on the Sunday nearest to World Homeless Day. This year Homeless Sunday falls on 11th October.
Purpose
The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.
How to make a difference
- Educate people about homeless issues
- Celebrate and support local good works
- Highlight local issues in the media
- Donate to local service providers
- Volunteer and provide hands on help
- Thank volunteers with certificates and awards
- Invite a guest speaker
- Host a fundraiser
- Tweet #WorldHomelessDay @homelessday
More information on Homeless Sunday from Housing Justice
A prayer for Homeless Sunday
Heavenly Father – Thank you for who you are and for giving us hope. Also, we thank you for everyone who is here commemorating Homeless Sunday, but help us not to forget that people are homeless every day across our nation.
We pray for those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions.
For those who are afraid and feel hopeless.
For all people affected by homelessness, we pray that you will help us to provide shelter, security, comfort and hope.
Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet so that we may be empowered through word and deed, and through all the means we have, to bring justice and peace in their time of need. Stir our hearts to move more deeply in our walk with you, so that we can be active to share your love with our neighbours and the community.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
