EAST-TO-WEST Nightstop Initiative

east to west is a local Christian Charity who deliver pastorally responsive youth work to young people who are predominantly external to the church. There mission statement is to bring hope to young lives and it is that bringing of hope that you are invited to take part in.

Over the past year east to west has pioneered a localised Christian response to the growing issue of teenage homelessness and now we want to take it to another level. The response is called nightstop and it places homeless young people into Christian homes for up to 3 nights so that a suitable long term resolution can be found. The higher level service we are aiming to provide is for nightstop to support homeless young people for anything up to 12 months, the reality is that on average it will be 3-4 months. This large leap of commitment to due to the growing complications in finding appropriate accommodation as well as the knowledge that many of the young people referred to us are often so vulnerable, that hostels and B&B’s are the last places that they should be sent to.

Staying in a loving and welcoming environment provides the safety and platform needed for reconciliation with families, release from abusive home lives or a respite when tensions at home are too great. Acts of mediation and 1-2-1 support with the young people are carried out by the nightstop coordinator, but if your hospitality doesn’t exist then the young people may never get to that point of healing. One of the greatest distinctives and gifts that the church can bring is its community.

Therefore, nightstop isn’t simply about offering a bed it is about welcoming the stranger into the family of God.

Key points to remember if you became a host:

• You would receive high quality and ongoing training and support to equip you fully in this ministry
• You would receive financial support towards the costs of housing a young person
• You would never be simply handed a young person. All young people are referred appropriately and the nightstop coordinator would support you all the way
• You would be bringing the Hope of Christ to young people who are often at the most vulnerable and loneliest point in their lives

The question is; “Are you interested in serving homeless young people and bringing to them the hope found in the hospitality and stability of your home?”

If you are interested in knowing more then please contact Andy Burns on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07958 725731 and he will arrange a meeting with you to help unpack this ministry further.
Your expression of interest doesn’t commit you to being a host - it simply helps us gage if there is a desire within the churches to support young people in this way.
Our aim is to find at least 10 host families, could one of those families be yours?

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