For me, Christmas is all about coming together, showing kindness, reflecting on the year gone by, enjoying delicious food, and sharing heartfelt conversations. So when Plymouth’s Shekinah Centre invited me to cover their annual Christmas lunch for homeless service users, I anticipated witnessing exactly these things—and I wasn’t disappointed.
Each year, Shekinah hosts a festive meal for its homeless clients. This year, over 80 individuals experiencing homelessness in and around Plymouth gathered on December 17, 2025, for a celebratory feast fully funded by Bidfood and supported by local donations.
Most attendees were either sleeping rough across the city or living in nearby hostels. For them, this event offered a rare opportunity to enjoy a warm, hearty Christmas meal alongside meaningful social interaction—basic human needs we all share.
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Upon entering the Shekinah Centre, I was warmly welcomed by staff and met Ryan, a 40-year-old local who had recently been released from prison. He told me, “They give you £120 and send you on your way,” leaving him to survive in a tent back in Plymouth after getting out of jail three weeks prior.
Ryan spoke candidly about the essential role Shekinah plays in his life. “I love Shekinah. The best thing is that they treat us like family. I’ve been on and off the streets for years, but I stay happy and positive. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”
Jeanette, 37, currently staying in a B&B with her partner, shared the emotional toll of homelessness. “Christmas is always the hardest time. I’m looking to the future and hoping for a place of our own next year after years of moving from place to place.”
As I spoke with volunteers and clients, a common theme emerged: homelessness can affect anyone. People come from all walks of life—some evicted, others suffering relationship breakdowns, and even a 70-year-old man living in his car due to overwhelming legal fees related to an inheritance dispute.
John Hamblin, Shekinah’s CEO, explained the root cause: “Lack of affordable housing is the number one issue. More social housing and rental options are desperately needed. We hear heartbreaking stories every day, but we also witness incredible resilience. Some have had well-paid jobs before life circumstances changed and they became homeless.”
Shekinah’s mission is to keep people alive and supported until stable accommodation is found. “The local community’s support, alongside our dedicated staff, ensures no one is left behind,” John emphasized.
Another guest, a 33-year-old man currently homeless, praised the centre’s kindness: “Shekinah is welcoming and polite. The food and support help us start the journey off the streets.”
Brian, 44, shared his story of losing his home when his landlord sold the property he rented. With no other options, he moved into a B&B for the past nine years. “Being in a B&B is better than a tent. Thanks to Shekinah, I now have a housing officer and social worker who help me.”
Nearby sat Tony, 70, a former Navy chef who refuses to drink or smoke but has been sleeping in his car for over two years while fighting costly legal battles for his inheritance. Despite his challenges, he volunteers at Shekinah, sharing his cooking skills.
The optimism and strength displayed by those I met were incredibly inspiring, especially given their hardships. Shekinah, with its army of volunteers and generous local businesses, is making a profound difference this Christmas.
Richard Dow, Business Unit Director at Bidfood—the event’s sponsor—explained their motivation: “This day is vital for people facing tough times. We’ve partnered with Shekinah for years, providing essentials like warm clothing and meals. As Devon’s largest food wholesaler, we want to be a positive force for change in our community.”
While I left at 11:30 a.m., the kitchen was bustling with volunteers from local businesses preparing the festive three-course meal. Sarah Martin from House Martin Letting Agency shared, “Helping here is close to my heart. Life’s too short — no one should be homeless in 2025.”
My visit to the Shekinah Centre was both eye-opening and inspiring. I’m planning to return in early 2026 to check in on those I met, as January brings its own challenges.
Kerry Williams, the drop-in centre manager, reflected on the deeper trauma behind homelessness: “Often, the reasons people lose their homes trace back to childhood. When you lose your home, you lose your voice.”