Church in Tottenham hands out £10,000 cash

The foodbank and social hub has been fundraising for the local community during the cost-of-living crisis

A church in Tottenham has given out £10,000 cash to local residents in a bid to help the community during the cost-of-living crisis.

Those accessing the foodbank at Tottenham Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Church (TLSDA) on Saturday, 14th January were given £40 cash at a time. A programme ensuring support for those who need it continues at the hub.

The current crisis compelled both the TLSDA and the local community to raise funds, with the church contributing their building reserve cash, while one donor provided £1,000 and another £2,000.

Jude Jeanville, pastor at TLSDA, said: “TLSDA church provides a warm space, warm food and warm hearts for members of the community. Our building was the former Robins Mission Hall dedicated to the Duchess of Argyle for its commitment to serving the West Green community and we are also committed to carry on this service to the local community. We are delighted that the church could serve the community in practical ways.”

Sophia Staines-Charles, community services leader at TLSDA, added: “For the past two years and a half, the TLSDA Food Hub has been serving tens of thousands of pounds worth of food items weekly, free of charge to the public, treating people humanely with dignity and respect without the need for assessment or referral.”

On Tuesdays between 12.30pm and 2pm and Saturdays 3.30pm to 5pm when the foodbank is open, long queues have been visible outside the church.

Sophia said: “We are grateful to our generous suppliers. The food hub attracts over 300 persons weekly. A team of fifteen volunteers are very dedicated to the task of serving members of the public.

“The number of service users has tripled since we started in 2020.”

The initiative follows concerns among TLSDA church members that were kindled during the Covid-19 pandemic regarding the church’s relevance in the community – left empty, pastor Jude explained that it was at risk of being reduced to simply a “monument”.

One recipient of the £40 cash said: “I’m working but my money just goes towards gas and electric. I have to come here to get food to feed my family. I am so grateful for [the] help.”

“While the hub is not exclusively for people on low incomes or in receipt of benefits, it is a lifeline for people who are finding the cost-of-living crisis particularly tough,” said Sophia. “People have become really isolated in the last couple of years and are worried about how they will cope.

“Moving forward, we want to continue to support the community, for as long as we are needed.”

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