Canterbury Cathedral to Host Homeless Shelter During Festive Period

Canterbury Cathedral is set to provide accommodation for a homeless shelter during the upcoming festive period. The Canterbury Community Shelter, operated by the charity Catching Lives, will be hosted at the cathedral for one night each week. A representative for Catching Lives conveyed that the organization is “delighted” that the shelter can proceed this year. While the cathedral has financially supported Catching Lives for many years, a spokesperson indicated that this marks the first instance it has possessed a suitable space enabling practical assistance to those in need. The shelter’s operation is scheduled from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025, and it is capable of accommodating up to 15 individuals nightly. Amenities at the shelter will include heating, a kitchen, and toilet facilities, and it will be staffed by Catching Lives personnel. This event will mark the inaugural occasion the cathedral has hosted the shelter. Prior to the pandemic, the unavailability of suitable space was cited. A spokesperson for the cathedral further stated: “This is the first year since the pandemic that we have been able to utilise this space more widely and join with Catching Lives as they relaunch this crucial project for the people of Canterbury during this Christmas season.”