Meet the Need Ministries

Over the last few years we have seen the various needs of our local community rise exponentially.

In Matthew 25: 35- 40 Jesus tells us that by feeding, clothing and giving a roof over the heads of those who not have even the basics in life, we are actually feeding and clothing Christ himself. How can we not be moved by the needs of those who are without, when we have so much.

Elim Leytonstone is passionate about serving the local community and meeting the needs of those who are in need within the local community and the surrounding areas. To do this we run a number of different community projects, from a community foodbank, night shelter and street project. Please find more details about each project below:

Meet the Need | Night Shelter

Meet the need night shelter programme is part of Forest Churches Community Night Shelter (FCENS). FCENS is a collaboration of seven local partner churches that came together in January 2009 to meet the needs of those sleeping rough in the borough during the winter months. Each church donates their premises and provides volunteers, food and bedding to sleep the guests for one night per week for five months during the coldest months of the year; from November through to March. Guests are referred to and assessed by FCENS in advance of attending a shelter. They are then required to register with FCENS to guarantee a bed. This means we know who to expect and reduces the risk for guests and volunteers.

Meet the Need | Food Bank

Every Wednesday and Thursday we deliver a foodbank service to those in need of food and support in the local area. We offer a space where people in the community can come together and socialise over hot food and refreshments. Foodbank is open between 10am – 12 noon on a Wednesday and Thursday.

People who attend our foodbank service are referred by relevant government services, and we also accept self-referrals; we simply need you to provide some documentation.

On average we support over 98 people and their families each week, providing non-perishable food, meat and toiletries.

Meet the Need | Street Team

Meet the Need Street Outreach are a team of like minded individuals who have dedicated their time in bringing hope to the hopeless on the streets.

The beauty of what takes place on the streets is that although the initial thought behind us being on the streets every other Thursday in Stratford was to meet the need of the homeless people, it has now become that of meeting the need of ALL types of people. As well as homeless people, relationships have been built with security guards, cleaners, dancers and skaters, the list is endless and it is all VERY EXCITING!!