Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project (FIA) held its AGM and Open Evening at the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening, 12th January.

The evening’s host, Martin Bushaway, welcomed around 70 people to the event. Martin is a Trustee of the charity and a man who was formerly homeless himself and helped by FIA.

Reverend Alastair of St Matthew’ Church in Raynes Park led a prayer and a minute’ silence for our ten service users who had died in 2025. He sadly reflected on the fact that the average age for a rough sleeper is 46.

Merton’ Mayor, Councillor Martin Whelton then set out the context of the evening, highlighting the continued growth in homelessness and the importance of the community coming together through organisations such as FIA to tackle the problem.

FIA’ chairman, Bernie McAlister thanked the charity’ supporters, donors, staff and volunteers, all of who come together to deliver the much needed services the charity provides. He then quickly concluded the formal business of the AGM.

Grace O’ FIA’ manager, spoke movingly about a very recent case of two of young women who had become homeless and started sleeping rough at the coldest time of year. Fortunately they found their way to FIA and Grace outlined the challenges and complexities, and the costs, of helping them. FIA collaborated with a Local Authority to find accommodation and, with the support of the Dons Local Action Group (DLAG), the girls and their belongings were delivered to the new home which had been found for them in Redhill.

Trustee Robin Goodchild spoke about the work of FIA’ Merton Winter Night Shelter, which accommodates 12 people every night. This winter the shelter has been extended from 14 to 16 weeks and the aspiration is to extend it to 18 weeks next winter. However, this is dependent on finding at least two more faith groups to support it.

One of FIA’ volunteers, Claire Wood, spoke about her work as a volunteer at FIA’ Drop-In, highlighting the how fulfilling it was to be part of such a great team but also focusing on how important it was being able to remember the name of every service user so that they could be truly recognised and treated as individuals.

Trustee Richard Rawes then spoke on behalf of Chris, a service user who FIA had helped to get back on his feet after he had been robbed of all his belongings whilst sleeping rough. Chris is now housed and volunteering for DLAG. He was unable to speak in person due to illness.

And finally, another of our service users, Betty, told her story, which was incredibly moving – how she and her husband came to be homeless and how instrumental FIA was in resolving their issues. Betty told us how thankful she is because FIA became “ family”.

The evening concluded with an opportunity to talk more informally about FIA’ work whilst enjoying a wonderful supper provided by FIA’ volunteers.

For more information, please visit FIA’ website: Merton Homelessness Project